Percutaneous Short-segment Pedicle Screw Research Articles

A retrospective comparative study of clinical efficacy of percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with or without screwing of the fractured vertebra with O-arm navigation

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the short and long-term efficacies of O-arm-navigated percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation, with or without screwing of the fractured vertebra.MethodsA total of 42 patients who underwent O-arm-navigated percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures from February 2015 to December 2018 were selected for analysis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical intervention they received: Group A received percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with screwing of the fractured vertebra and Group B received percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation without screwing of the fractured vertebra. Radiographic analysis included Cobb angles and percentage of anterior vertebral height (AVH%). Clinical functional outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain and the oswestry disability index (ODI) scores.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P > 0.05). The length of incision was statistically significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angle and AVH% between the two groups before and after the surgery (P > 0.05). However, the Cobb angle and AVH% were both significantly larger in Group A than Group B at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). In terms of clinical outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn the short term, both minimally invasive treatments were safe and effective in treating thoracolumbar fracture. Although there was significant difference between the two groups in Cobb angle and vertebral body height at the last follow-up, the difference was small. Therefore, these specific parameters will be an important outcome measure in further investigations.

Minimally Invasive Thoracolumbar Corpectomy and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation with Computer-Assisted Rod-Bending System in Single Lateral Position: Technical Note

Thoracolumbar corpectomy and percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation is becoming the standard method for correcting and stabilizing malalignment of spine, as is often seen in osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Nowadays, this procedure can be performed in a single lateral position with navigation. For an osteoporotic spine, accurate rod bending is necessary to prevent screw back-out. We describe a new technique using the spinal rod-bending system in a single lateral position. A 71-year-old woman presented with severe back pain and impending paraplegia secondary to L1 osteoporotic vertebral fracture. We performed minimally invasive L1 corpectomy with an expandable vertebral cage and short-segment PPS with computer-assisted rod bending in a single lateral position under navigation guidance. The patient was successfully treated with surgery, and her low back pain improved. Her clinical outcomes improved; the Oswestry Disability Index went from 54% to 26%, and her low back pain visual analog scale score went from 78 mm to 19 mm at the 2-year final follow-up. Minimally invasive surgery thoracolumbar corpectomy using a computer-assisted spinal rod-bending system is a valuable technique to reduce screw back-out for osteoporotic vertebrae. With this new technique, the rod bending becomes easy, even for long PPS fusion with the severe osteoporotic or deformity patient in a single lateral position.

Minimally Invasive Decompression and Intracorporeal Bone Grafting Combined with Temporary Percutaneous Short-Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture with Neurological Deficits

We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological deficits treated with minimally invasive decompression and intracorporeal bone grafting combined with percutaneous short-segment stabilization. Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological deficits underwent minimally invasive decompression and intracorporeal bone grafting combined with percutaneous short-segment stabilization. Instrumentation was removed approximately 1 year after vertebral fracture union. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed. The mean operative duration and intraoperative bleeding volume were 135 ± 63 minutes and 120 ± 200 mL, respectively. The average American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale scores had significantly improved at the final follow-up examination. The visual analog scale score had decreased from 7.8 ± 1.1 preoperatively to <2.9 ± 1.3 (P < 0.05) at 1 week postoperatively. The Oswestry disability index had decreased from 86.1 ± 8.8 preoperatively to 15.9 ± 6.4 (P < 0.05) at 1 year postoperatively. The canal stenosis index had improved from 43.4% ± 12.0% to 93.8% ± 4.8% (P < 0.05). The sagittal Cobb angle had been corrected from 17.8° ± 7.5° to 4.0° ± 1.9° (P < 0.05) and remained at 4.9° ± 2.0° (P > 0.05) at 1 year postoperatively. The sagittal index had been corrected from 16.6° ± 6.1° to 0.3° ± 4.6° (P < 0.05) and remained at 1.5°+ 4.5° (P > 0.05) at 1 year postoperatively. The anterior vertebral height had increased from 49.3% ± 11.1% to 97.6% ± 6.5% (P < 0.05) and remained at 95.7% ± 6.0% (P > 0.05) at 1 year postoperatively. After implant removal, the total kyphosis correction losses were 1.5° ± 0.8° for the Cobb angle, 2.0° ± 1.1° for the sagittal index, and 3.4% ± 2.1% for the anterior vertebral height. One pullout screw and one broken rod were found in 1 patient each. Minimally invasive decompression and intracorporeal bone grafting combined with percutaneous short-segment fixation yielded satisfactory results in decompression and immediate kyphosis correction. Additionally, this procedure resulted in maintenance of the vertebral height and prevented late correction loss after implant removal.

Acute burst fracture in Kummell\u2019s disease with acute onset neurological deficit: a case report on role of spinal stability and technical notes on \u201cpivot ligamentotaxis\u201d

BackgroundKummell’s Disease has insidious progression. Neurological deficit is usually slow in onset and progression and only few cases of acute neurological deficit have been reported. We came across a case of Kummell’s disease which progressed to burst fracture, developed neurological deficit within two weeks. We managed patient with “pivot ligamentotaxis” and Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.Case presentationEighty-three years old woman following fall was on conservative management at another hospital. She had no neurological deficit. A week later her back pain aggravated and two weeks later developed bilateral buttock pain, bilateral lower limb weakness and diminished sensation in the sacral area.Radiological investigations (X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging and Computed tomography) showed L1 vertebral body fracture with vacuum cleft and fracture fragment retropulsed into the spinal canal.A diagnosis of Kummell’s disease with burst fracture of L1 vertebra & neurological deficit was made.Patient was managed with Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The reduction of the retropulsed fragment was achieved by virtue of “Pivot ligamentotaxis”. The patient got relieved of the symptoms (Preoperative VAS 8 and postoperative VAS 3) and was allowed brace assisted ambulation on first postoperative day.ConclusionThis study reports acute occurrence of the burst fracture in unstable vertebra inflicted by Kummell’s disease and role of spinal stability in recovery. We achieved closed reduction of the fracture fragments and relief of the cord compression by posterior compression with “pivot ligamentotaxis”.

Percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with vertebral augmentation for the treatment of single level thoracolumbar osteoporosis fracture

To explore clinical outcomes of percutaneous short segment pedical screw fixation with bone cement augmentation in treating single level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture. From January 2009 to January 2013, 48 single level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture patients without neurological symptoms were treated with percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation. Among them, including 22 males and 26 females aged from 55 to 72 years old with an average of 62.2 years old. The time from injury to operation varied from 8 h to 9 d(mean 4.5 d). According to Denis fracture classification, 35 cases were compression fractures and 13 cases were burst fractures. Nine vertebrae located on T₁₁, 15 vertebrae on T₁₂, 14 vertebrae on L₁, 7 vertebrae on L₂, and ₃ vertebrae on L₃. Anterior vertebral body height, sagittal Cobb angle, sagittal index(SI), failure of internal fixation and recurrence of kyphosis were observed before and after operation. All patients were followed up from 24 to 48 months with an average of 32.5 months. Operative time ranged from 60 to 140 min with an average of 85 min;blood loss ranged from 50 to 100 ml with an average of 75 ml. Before operation, at 3 d and 1 year after operation, anterior vertebral body height respectively was (56.4±2.6)%, (91.2±1.6)% and (86.9±3.2)%; sagittal Cobb angle respectively was(26.6±3.2)°, (6.2±1.0)° and (6.8±1.5)°; SI respectively was(51.6±4.2)%, (90.2±5.9)% and (88.7±4.2)%; VAS respectively was(7.6±1.2), (2.8±1.9), (1.1±0.4) points. There were significant differences above items between before operation and at 3 d after operation, while no significance between 1 year and 3 d after operation. No neurologic damage, internal fixation failure and recurrence of kyphosis occurred. Percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation in treating single level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture has advantages of less trauma, and could effectively restore normal physiological load transmission of spinal, avoid failure of internal fixation and recurrence of kyphosis.

Percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with vertebral augmentation for the treatment of single level thoracolumbar osteoporosis fracture

To explore the safety and clinical effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty and pedicle screw fixation in treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture. From April 2011 to April 2014, 32 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and pedicle screw fixation. There were 13 males and 19 females, aged in ranging from 60 to 73 years old(averaged 65.6 years). All fractures were single thoracolumbar fracture and 4 cases located on T₁₁, 9 on T₁₂, 16 on L₃; and 3 on L₂. Cobb angle, vertebral anterior compression rate, vertebral posterior compression rate, spinal canal occupying ratio were compared, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) were analyzed before and after operation. The mean operation time was 65.7 min(ranged, 60 to 120 min) and blood loss was 25.2 ml (ranged, 20 to 50 ml). The operative incisions obtained primary healing. All patients were followed up from 12 to 48 months with an average of 20.6 months. Vertebral anterior compression rate and vertebral posterior compression rate were respectively corrected from preoperative (49.70±5.89)%, (17.36±4.11)% to (6.00±2.10)%, (5.48±1.65)% at 2 d after operation, and (6.06±1.57)%, (5.68±1.82)% at last follow up. Cobb angle and spinal canal occupying ratio were respectively corrected from preoperative (13.34±3.56)°, (22.77±5.83)% to(2.86±0.95)°, (5.02±1.93)% at 2 d after operation, and (3.04±0.94)°, (5.15±1.93)% at last follow up. VAS and ODI were respectively decreased from preoperative (6.84±0.88)points, (77.50±5.10)% to(1.94±0.72) points, (17.94±4.82)% at 2 d after operation, and (1.63±0.83) points, (15.63±5.19)% at last follow up. Cement leakage occurred in 3 cases. No internal fixation failure and intractable lower back pain were found. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and pedicle screw fixation could restore vertebral body height, improve spinal canal occupying, correct kyphosis, relieve pain, improve life quality, and it is a safe and effective method in treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Comparative Study Between Short Segment Open Versus Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation with Indirect Decompression in Management of Acute Burst Fracture of Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine with Minimal Neurological Deficit in Adults

The objective of this prospective randomized study was to compare the immediate and long-term clinico-radiological outcome of short segment open versus percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with indirect decompression achieved via distracting the posterior pedicle screw construct in management of single level acute thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fracture (TLBF) with minimal neurological deficit in adults. All patients had burst fracture of less than 72 hours and loss of vertebral body height ≥50%, angulation ≥30⁰, kyphotic deformity ≥20⁰, canal compromise ≥40⁰, failure of at least 2 columns, with intact pedicle and minimum neurological deficit [Grades C and D; according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system. Fractures treated either via short segment open pedicle screw fixation with indirect decompression (OPSFD) or short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with indirect decompression (PPSFD) techniques, were corrected using a titanium monoaxial pedicle screw construct. Post-operatively all patients were advice brace and subjected for regular physiotherapy and followed up to 1 years. Data regarding peri-operative events, clinico-radiological outcome, duration of hospital stay and period taken to return to work was collected and analysed. Those patients treated with PPSFD techniques demonstrated superior outcomes compared to conventional OPSFD techniques, with significantly reduced operative time and blood loss during surgery, hospital stay, better neurological outcomes and early return to work. However, there was no significant difference in view of radiological improvement between the two surgical techniques. We would recommend PPSFD techniques as the best way of treating acute single level TLBF with minimum neurological deficit in adults.

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation with Polymethylmethacrylate Augmentation for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Intravertebral Pseudoarthrosis Associated with Kummell’s Osteonecrosis

Purpose. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture with osteonecrosis. Methods. Osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures with avascular necrosis were treated by short-segment PPF with PMMA augmentation. Eighteen were followed up for more than 2 years. The kyphotic angle, compression ratio, visual analog scale (VAS) score for back pain, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were analyzed. In addition, radiologic and clinical parameters of PPF group were compared with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) group. Results. Vertebral height and kyphotic angle of the compressed vertebral bodies were significantly corrected after the operation (P < 0.05). Further, restored vertebral height was maintained during the 2 or more years of postoperative follow-up. Compared to the PVP group the postoperative compression ratio and kyphotic angle were significantly lower in the PPF group (P < 0.05). The postoperative ODI and VAS of the PVP group were significantly higher than the PPF (P < 0.05). Conclusions. According to our results, short-segment PPF with PMMA augmentation may be an effective minimally invasive treatment for osteoporosis in cases of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with Kummell's osteonecrosis.

Neuronavigated Percutaneous Treatment of Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures

Introduction Treatment goals of amielic thoracolumbar spine fractures are the stabilization of traumatized segment, possibly restoring the physiological spine curvature, and vertebral healing or fusion of the affected segment. Percutaneous minimally invasive techniques are becoming a viable option in the treatment of selected thoracolumbar fractures; intraoperative neuronavigation of biplanar fluoroscopy associated with preoperative CT scan allows precise pedicle insertion and reduces intraoperative X-ray exposure. Materials and Methods Over a period of 2 years, 43 patients with thoracolumbar fractures at our institution were elected for minimally invasive surgery using neuronavigated technique. All patients experienced one or two thoracolumbar fractures (varying from A3.1 to B2.3, according to the AO/Magerl classification) without neurological deficits. Pain profile was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and all radiological findings were evaluated with vertebral body index (VBI), vertebral body angle (VBA), and Cobb angle. Procedures used for treatment include kyphoplasty alone and short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with or without vertebral body augmentation. All the procedures were performed under general anesthesia, but for collaborating patients who need kyphoplasty analgosedation was used. Clinical mean follow-up was 15 months (2–24 months) and has been assessed with VAS and the ability to return to their original lifestyle and/or occupation; radiographic postoperative evaluation consisted of X-ray for kyphoplasty patients and CT for those instrumented to determine the accuracy of screw placement. Results The mean surgical duration was 92 minutes (passing from 32 minutes for the fastest kyphoplasty to 170 minutes for the slowest fixation). There was no case of screw or needle malposition during kyphoplasty. Total radiation exposure was 54 seconds. Postoperatively, almost all the patients improved their symptoms and nobody needed reoperation because of postoperative complications, except for a case in which an initial screw pull-out was stopped with a second stage kyphoplasty. Conclusion Neuronavigation in minimally invasive spine surgery represents a viable solution for the treatment of amielic thoracolumbar fractures. Minimal invasive techniques have been shown to reduce blood loss, postoperative pain, and hospitalization; with the neuronavigated support, there is also a sensible reduction in X-ray exposure of patients and operative room operators.

Short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with cement augmentation for tumor-induced spinal instability

Background contextPathologic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) represent a major source of morbidity and diminished quality of life in the spinal oncology population. Procedures with low morbidity that effectively treat patients with pathologic fractures are especially important in the cancer population where life expectancy is limited. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are often not effective for mechanically unstable pathologic fractures extending into the pedicle and facet joints. Combination of cement augmentation and percutaneous instrumented stabilization represents a minimally invasive treatment option that does not delay radiation and systemic therapy. PurposeThe objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cement-augmented short-segment percutaneous posterolateral instrumentation for tumor-associated VCF with pedicle and joint involvement. MethodsForty-four consecutive patients underwent cement-augmented percutaneous spinal fixation for unstable tumors between 2011 and 2014. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, including visual analog pain scale (VAS) response score and procedural complications, was performed. ResultsPatients with a median composite Spinal Instability Neoplastic Scale score of 10 (range=8–15) were treated with constructs spanning one to four disk spaces (median of two spaces, constituting 84% of all cases). The proportion of patients with severe pain decreased from 86% preoperatively to 0%; 65% of patients reported no referable instability pain postoperatively. There was one adjacent-level fracture responsive to kyphoplasty, and one case of asymptomatic screw pullout. Two patients subsequently required decompression in the setting of disease progression despite radiation; there was no perioperative morbidity. ConclusionsPercutaneous cement-augmented posterolateral spinal fixation is a safe and effective option for palliation of appropriately selected mechanically unstable VCF that extends into pedicle and/or joint.

Pure percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without arthrodesis of 32 thoraco-lumbar fractures: clinical and radiological outcome with 36-month follow-up

To evaluate the outcome of pure percutaneous fixation of unstable single level fractures at the thoraco-lumbar junction (A1 to B2 Magerl/AO Spine). Neurological intact patients were included in a 2-year prospective study (follow-up 36 months). Two groups were considered: the group in which additional short bilateral screws in the fractured vertebra were placed was called lordorizing screw group (LSG), the other was called non lordorizing screw group (nLSG). Clinical outcome was evaluated using the SF-36, the Oswestry disability index and the recovery time needed to go back work. The following radiological parameters were also evaluated on the follow-up exams: the Mid-Sagittal Index, the Cobb's angle and the Sagittal Index. In the LSG, the correction values of MSI, Cobb's angle and SI were statistically significantly higher than in nLSG. When feasible we recommend a pure percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation adding a lordorizing screw.

Percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw placement without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: is it effective?: comparative study with open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with posterolateral fusion

Since introduction of the pedicle screw-rod system, short-segment pedicle screw fixation has been widely adopted for thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBF). Recently, the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) systems have been introduced in spinal surgery; and it has become a popularly used method for the treatment of degenerative spinal disease. However, there are few clinical reports concerning the efficacy of PPSF without fusion in treatment of TLBF. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of short-segment PPSF without fusion in comparison to open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with bony fusion in treatment of TLBF. This study included 59 patients, who underwent either percutaneous (n = 32) or open (n = 27) short-segment pedicle screw fixation for stabilization of TLBF between December 2003 and October 2009. Radiographs were obtained before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up for assessment of the restoration of the spinal column. For radiologic parameters, Cobb angle, vertebral wedge angle, and vertebral body compression ratio were assessed on a lateral thoracolumbar radiograph. For patient's pain and functional assessment, the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Frankel grading system, and Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) were measured. Operation time, and the amount of intraoperative bleeding loss were also evaluated. In both groups, regional kyphosis (Cobb angle) showed significant improvement immediately after surgery, which was maintained until the last follow up, compared with preoperative regional kyphosis. Postoperative correction loss showed no significant difference between the two groups at the final follow-up. In the percutaneous surgery group, there were significant declines of intraoperative blood loss, and operation time compared with the open surgery group. Clinical results showed that the percutaneous surgery group had a lower VAS score and a better LBOS at three months and six months after surgery; however, the outcomes were similar in the last follow-up. Both open and percutaneous short-segment pedicle fixation were safe and effective for treatment of TLBF. Although both groups showed favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes at the final follow-up, PPSF without bone graft provided earlier pain relief and functional improvement, compared with open TPSF with posterolateral bony fusion. Despite several shortcomings in this study, the result suggests that ongoing use of PPSF is recommended for the treatment of TLBF.

Internal fixation with percutaneous kyphoplasty compared with simple percutaneous kyphoplasty for thoracolumbar burst fractures in elderly patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

The impact of percutaneous internal fixation as a supplement to percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures in elderly patients is unclear. We conducted a clinical controlled trial to investigate the effect and outcomes of this technique in such patients. Forty-three patients over 65 years old with thoracolumbar burst fractures without nerve injuries were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to treatment with simple PKP (control group, n = 22) or percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation with PKP (treatment group, n = 21). The patients were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively and were assessed with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes. Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly with use of visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire. Radiological outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of Cobb kyphosis angle and loss of kyphosis correction. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to preoperative indices. The treatment group had better VAS scores and greater postoperative improvement on the ODI compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Postoperative kyphosis angle correction in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group, and loss of correction postoperatively was significantly less (P < 0.05). In the control group, two patients suffered refractures of the injured vertebra postoperatively and one had a fracture in the adjacent vertebra. No postoperative complications needing management were noted in either group. Compared with simple PKP, percutaneous internal fixation with PKP is a valuable surgical option for the treatment of selected elderly patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Radiological study on disc degeneration of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated by percutaneous pedicle screw fixation

To examine disc degeneration at levels adjacent and next adjacent to the fractured vertebra and to analyses, if the disc degeneration is determined by the endplate fracture. Thoracolumbar burst fracture is one of the most common spinal injuries. The diagnostic (clinical and imaging) approach and treatment of a fractured vertebra is well established; however, some controversy remains. The associated disc degeneration is less well known after 9-12 months of the short segment pedicle screw fixations. There is a major controversy whether spinal trauma with vertebral endplate fractures can result in posttraumatic disc degeneration. No study to date, however, has assessed disc degeneration of the AO type A3 thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficits after pedicle screw fixations. Twenty-six patients with single-level AO type A3 thoracolumbar fractures and no neurological deficit were treated by using postural reduction and short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. No laminectomy and fusion were performed. Implants were removed 9-12 months after the first operation. The thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess disc degeneration at levels adjacent and next adjacent to the fractured vertebra before the first operation and after the second operation in a retrospective study. After the instrumentation removal, new disc degeneration was usually found at level adjacent to the cranial endplate of fractured vertebra by MRI examination in 24 patients. The average Pfirrmann grade of degenerative discs adjacent to the cranial fractured endplates deteriorated from 2.1 pre-operatively to 3.4 after the second operation. No change of disc degeneration was seen at the caudal disc space adjacent to the fractured vertebra and the levels next adjacent to the fractured vertebra. The discs next adjacent to the fractured vertebra were showed to be relatively normal without changes of degeneration during the study period. Disc degeneration usually occurs at level adjacent to the fractured endplate of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Endplate fracture is strongly associated with disc degeneration. No correlation between fixation level and disc degeneration is seen in this study.

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for Neurologic Intact Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures

Prospective consecutive series. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) for thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures with a specially designed surgical instrument system. Minimally invasive surgery including PPSF is becoming increasingly widespread in the spine surgery. The technique of PPSF was mostly used as supplemental fixation combined with minimally invasive posterior or anterior lumbar interbody fusion in management of lumbar degenerative disorders. There are fewer studies available in literature regarding PPSF without additional kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for management of thoracolumbar burst fractures. Thirty-six adult patients, who had single thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures and the load-sharing score of 6 or less, underwent application of percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw fixation. Radiologic parameters including kyphotic angle and vertebral height loss were assessed before and after surgery, and functional outcome was evaluated by Prolo questionnaire. All patients were successfully managed with percutaneous minimal invasive procedures. The average operative time was 78 minutes (range 62 to 117 min). The average intraoperative blood loss was 75 mL (range 50 to 220 mL). After a mean follow-up of 48.5 months (range 32 to 63 mo), 31 of 36 (86.1%) patients had a satisfactory result (19 excellent and 12 good) and 5 of them fair. Our clinical results suggest that PPSF can be an alternative for management of thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures that have no neurologic deficits. With a specially designed percutaneous instrument and pedicle screw system, the procedure has been proved as relatively safe and a minimally invasive approach for the management of thoracolumbar burst fracture without neurologic deficit.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty and pedicle screw fixation for the management of thoraco-lumbar burst fractures

The study design includes prospective evaluation of percutaneous osteosynthesis associated with cement kyphoplasty on 18 patients. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of a percutaneous method of treating burst vertebral fractures in patients without neurological deficits. Even if burst fractures are frequent, no therapeutic agreement is available at the moment. We report in this study the results at 2 years with a percutaneous approach for the treatment of burst fractures. 18 patients were included in this study. All the patients had burst vertebral fractures classified type A3 on the Magerl scale, between levels T9 and L2. The patients' mean age was 53 years (range 22-78 years) and the neurological examination was normal. A percutaneous approach was systematically used and a kyphoplasty was performed via the transpedicular pathway associated with percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw osteosynthesis. The patients' follow-up included CT scan analysis, measurement of vertebral height recovery and local kyphosis, and clinical pain assessments. With this surgical approach, the mean vertebral height was improved by 25% and a mean improvement of 11.28 degrees in the local kyphotic angle was obtained. 3 months after the operation, none of the patients were taking class II analgesics. The mean duration of their hospital stay was 4.5 days (range 3-7 days) and the mean follow-up period was 26 months (range 17-30 months). No significant changes in the results obtained were observed at the end of the follow-up period. Minimally invasive methods of treating burst vertebral fractures can be performed via the percutaneous pathway. This approach gives similar vertebral height recovery and kyphosis correction rates to those obtained with open surgery. It provides a short hospital stay, however, and might therefore constitute a useful alternative to open surgical methods.