Thoracolumbar Fractures In Patients Research Articles

Surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

BackgroundSpinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly present as instability, involving all three columns of the spine, and surgical intervention is often considered necessary. However, in AS patients, the significant alterations in bony structure and anatomy result in a lack of identifiable landmarks, which increases the difficulty of pedicle screw implantation. Therefore, we present the clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with AS.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on a series of 12 patients diagnosed with AS. All patients sustained thoracolumbar fractures between October 2018 and October 2022 and underwent posterior robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation procedures. Outcomes of interest included operative time, intra-operative blood loss, complications, duration of hospital stay and fracture union. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). To investigate the achieved operative correction, pre- and postoperative radiographs in the lateral plane were analyzed by measuring the Cobb angle.ResultsThe 12 patients had a mean age of 62.8 ± 13.0 years and a mean follow-up duration of 32.7 ± 18.9 months. Mean hospital stay duration was 15 ± 8.0 days. The mean operative time was 119.6 ± 32.2 min, and the median blood loss was 50 (50, 250) ml. The VAS value improved from 6.8 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.0 at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). The ODI value improved from 83.6 ± 6.1% preoperatively to 11.8 ± 6.6% at the latest follow-up (P < 0.05). The average Cobb angle changed from 15.2 ± 11.0 pre-operatively to 8.3 ± 7.1 at final follow-up (P < 0.05). Bone healing was consistently achieved, with an average healing time of 6 (5.3, 7.0) months. Of the 108 screws implanted, 2 (1.9%) were improperly positioned. One patient experienced delayed nerve injury after the operation, but the nerve function returned to normal upon discharge.ConclusionPosterior robotic-assisted percutaneous internal fixation can be used as an ideal surgical treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in AS patients. However, while robot-assisted pedicle screw placement can enhance the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion, it should not be relied upon solely.

Percutaneous versus traditional open approaches for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures in patients without neurologic deficits: a meta-analysis of 35 cohort studies.

At present, percutaneous surgery is widely used to treat thoracolumbar fractures. However, the actual safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of percutaneous surgery are not clear. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the efficacies of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and open pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures without nerve root symptoms. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for articles published on or before June 2023. All results were evaluated by standard methods recommended for meta-analysis, continuous data were expressed by standard mean differences (SMDs), and binary variables were analyzed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We also explored the main sources of heterogeneity and the stability of the results through sensitivity analysis, Begg's funnel plots, and Egger's test. Thirty-five cohort studies with a total of 3039 patients were included. The study found that patients who undergo percutaneous approaches have less intraoperative blood loss (IBL), shorter length of hospital stay (LOS), shorter operation time, and shorter incision. Moreover, percutaneous approaches had more advantages in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and infection rates. However, there was no significant difference in anterior vertebral body height (AVB), Cobb angle (CA), or screw errors between the two groups. In the long run, the clinical and surgical results of the percutaneous approach are better than those of the open approach, but the radiological results of both operations do not seem to show an advantage for any specific approach. Because of publication bias and heterogeneity, our findings must be interpreted with caution. However, this paper will provide some support for clinicians to choose suitable surgical methods for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

A reduction method for anterior opening displacement in thoracolumbarvertebral fractures with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis using the skull clamp-assisted position.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) frequently occurs in the spine, resulting in unstable fractures. Treating thoracolumbar fractures in patients with DISH is often difficult because the anterior opening of the vertebral body is exacerbated by dislocation in the prone position, making reduction difficult. In this study, we introduced a novel skull clamp-assisted positioning (SAP) technique. The patient is placed in a supine position with a skull clamp used in cervical spine surgery before surgery to prevent the progression of dislocation and to restore the patient's position. Using this method, the mean difference in local kyphosis angle improved from -2.9 (±8.4)° preoperatively to 10.9 (±7.7)° postoperatively. Furthermore, posterior displacement decreased from a preoperative mean of 5.5 (±4.3) mm to 0.3 (±0.7) mm postoperatively. Complications such as neurological sequelae, implant fracture, and surgical site infection were not observed through one year of postoperative follow-up. SAP may decrease invasiveness and complications. Longer-term studies and larger sample sizes are needed to establish long-term efficacy and benefits.

Surgical Management Thoracolumbar Fractures in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Technical Note with Case Series

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease. Complications such as traumatic spinal fractures are mostly caused by hyperextension and are unstable. We report the cases of 5 patients with AS surgically treated for thoracolumbar fractures. We shared our experience of posterior stabilization surgery performed for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures after traumas such as fall-accident in patients with AS. Patients were all men, and their ages were between 52 and 77 years. The first 3 patients woke up with neurologic deficits and were managed surgically under general anesthesia. We managed the last 2 patients with unilateral short-level stabilization under local anesthesia followed by bilateral long-level stabilization under general anesthesia. No neurologic deterioration was found in the postoperative examination of these 2 patients. We assume that the reason for neurologic deterioration after general anesthesia is the relaxation of muscles. All 3 columns of the spine are affected in patients with AS and the stability is provided by the tone of the muscles around the spine. To prevent postoperative neurologic complications after the surgical treatment of traumatic hyperextension thoracic and lumbar fractures in patients with AS, we recommend securing the fracture level with unilateral short-level stabilization under local anesthesia and then completing the operation with general anesthesia.

Early postoperative complications of thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple trauma according to the surgical timing

Introduction and objetctivesOur objective was to compare the rate of complications in thoracolumbar fractures that occurred during the early postoperative period in patients with multiple high-energy trauma according to the time of surgery. As a secondary objective, to estimate which variables were associated with surgery before 72h. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of a series of patients with thoracolumbar fractures and multiple associated injuries in other anatomical regions due to high energy trauma. Surgically treated in an occupational trauma referral center, by the same surgical team and during the period between January 2013 and December 2019. ResultsWe analyzed a sample of 40 patients (39 men and 1 woman). The rate of complications was independent of surgical delay (before and after 72h) (p=0.827). There were statistically significant differences between early and later surgery groups in the variables age, systolic blood pressure, initial SOFA score and presence of neurological damage (p=0.014; p=0.029; p=0.032; p=0.012). The overall surgical delay was correlated with the SOFA score (p=0.007). ConclusionThe rate of early postoperative complications did not show significant differences between the early and late surgery groups. We observed that the patients who had been operated before 72h from trauma were younger, had more association with neurological syntoms, presented higher blood pressure values and less physiological damage. Surgical delay was positively correlated with SOFA score on arrival.

Subtle Radiographic Findings of Thoracolumbar Fractures in Patients with Ankylosing Spinal Disease.

Ankylosing spinal disease (ASD) is a common clinical entity [1]. The main etiologies of ASD are diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), ankylosing spondylitis and postoperative spinal fusion after removal of instrumentation. Because of the rigidity of the spine patients with ASD are prone to fractures even with minor trauma and unstable fracture patterns (distraction fractures and involvement of the posterior column) are common [1].

Limitations of Plain Film Radiography in Identification of Hyperextension Fractures in Patients With Ankylosing Spinal Disorders.

Study Design:Efficacy study.Objectives:To elucidate the limitations of radiography in patients with spinal ankylosing disorders (SAD) with an emphasis on thoracolumbar injuries, which have been less focused upon.Methods:We searched our hospital’s emergency room database for patients who underwent a total spine computed tomography (CT) following a diagnosis of SAD on radiographs following a minor fall. A high-quality presentation containing 50 randomly situated anteroposterior + lateral radiographs was created. Of these, 24 contained a hyperextension type fracture diagnosed by CT. Twelve physicians—4 spine surgeons, 4 senior orthopedic residents and 4 junior orthopedic residents were requested to identify the pathologic radiographs and note the fracture level.Results:Fracture diagnosis stood at 65% for the best reader. When examining the different subgroups, the mean rate of diagnosis for spine surgeons was 55% and for orthopedic residents 32%. Mean diagnosis of thoracic fractures was 26%, of lumbar fractures was 55%, and for the entire thoracolumbar spine was 40%. The interobserver agreement (kappa coefficient) was found to be 0.37 for the entire group and 0.39 for spine surgeons. This finding was statistically significant.Conclusions:The simple radiograph is an inefficient modality for diagnosis of hyperextension type thoracolumbar fractures in patients with SAD. The poor interobserver agreement rate further amplifies this finding. Advanced imaging is recommended in these patients.

Thoracolumbar spinal fractures associated with ground level falls in the elderly: An analysis of 254,486 emergency department visits

Study designretrospective. ObjectivesTo investigate the epidemiology of elderly (age ≥65 years) patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) in the United States with thoracolumbar (TL) fractures after ground level falls. MethodsUsing the National Emergency Department Sample database, we queried all ED visits in the United States from 2009 through 2012 of elderly patients who presented after ground level falls. We identified patients who sustained TL fractures with and without neurological injury. Resulting data was used to analyze the fracture prevalence, ED and patient characteristics, associated injuries, treatment patterns, inpatient mortality, and hospital charges. ResultsOf the 6,654,526 ED visits in the elderly for ground level falls, 254,486 (3.8%) were associated with a diagnosis of TL fracture. 39% patients had multiple injuries, and upper extremity fractures were the most common associated injuries. Overall, 55.6% were admitted to the hospital. Of those, 77.7% were treated non-operatively, 20.4% were treated with cement augmentation alone, 1.5% were treated with spinal fusion surgery, and 0.4% were treated with spinal decompression alone. The overall rate of inpatient mortality was 2.14%. ConclusionsThis investigation evaluated the epidemiology of elderly patients who presented to the ED in the United States with TL fractures after ground level falls. The study demonstrated a rather high incidence of TL fractures in this patient cohort. As a result, it is important for ED physicians and orthopaedic surgeons to be highly suspicious of TL fractures in elderly patients who sustain low energy trauma. With the continued aging of the population and rising health care costs, future effort ought to focus on fall prevention and increased surveillance for TL injuries in the elderly.

In-hospital medical complications after non-operative and operative treatment of thoracolumbar fractures in patients over 75 years of age

Management of spine fractures among the elderly is complicated by preexisting comorbidities and increased risk of osseous nonunion. Whether operative treatment is superior for the management of thoracolumbar fractures in the aged is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of in-hospital medical complications after non-operative and operative treatment of thoracolumbar fractures in elderly patients. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2011 was used to identify patients over 75 years of age with a principal discharge diagnosis of thoracolumbar fracture without spinal cord injury. Three treatment groups were compared: non-operative treatment, operative treatment, and minimally-invasive vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty (VP/KP). A total of 59,565 patients were identified; 46,962 treated non-operatively, 1,487 treated operatively, and 11,116 treated with VP/KP. Operative patients had the longest length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and the highest injury severity scores (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients who developed at least one complication was highest in the operative group (16.3%), versus 8.7% in the non-operative and 8.1% in the VP/KP group (P < 0.001). Even after controlling for potential confounders such as injury severity score, surgical patients had significantly higher odds of complication occurrence (P < 0.001). Adjusted charges were highest for operative patients ($123,777 ± 135,997 vs. $27,116 ± 32,694 [non-operative] and $42,326 ± 31,984 [VP/KP]). Operative treatment for elderly patients has higher complication rates that need to be considered during preoperative patient counseling. Future research is necessary to elucidate the comparative rates of long-term complications and functional status outcomes for thoracolumbar fracture treatment among elderly patients.

Clinical Analysis of Minimally Invasive Single-segment Reduction and Internal Fixation in Patients with Thoracolumbar Fractures

Objective: To study the clinical effect of minimally invasive single-segment reduction and internal fixation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: From June 2013 to June 2014, 100 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were selected as the subjects and they were randomly divided into observation group (50 cases) and control group (50 cases). The patients in the observation group were treated with minimally invasive single-segment reduction and internal fixation. The patients in the control group were treated with short segmental fixation. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in the compression rate and Cobb angle between the two groups before and after operation (P&gt; 0.05). For all patients who were followed up for the last time, the Cobb angle was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P &lt;0.05). The social function, affective function and physical pain score of the observation group were significantly better than the control group (P &lt;0.05). The amount of bleeding in the observation group was (250.4 ± 41.0) ml, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (267.5 ± 32.8) ml. The time required for the operation was (90.2 ± 35.4) min, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (104.5 ± 22.6) min (P &lt;0.05). After treatment, the prognosis was 70.00% and the excellent and good rate was 98.00%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (46.00%) and 78.00% (P &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Thoracolumbar fractures in patients with dilated channel minimally invasive single-segment reduction and internal fixation treatment can effectively repair the patient's vertebral height and Cobb angle and the degree of correction after surgery was significantly better, safer and worthy of clinical recommended use.

Percutaneous surgery for thoraco-lumbar fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: Study of 31 patients

BackgroundThe risk of vertebral fracture is increased 4-fold in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Diagnostic challenges and the vulnerability associated with AS combine to generate high morbidity and mortality rates. The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of percutaneous thoraco-lumbar fracture surgery in patients with AS, in terms of quality of life, fracture healing, and complications. HypothesisPercutaneous surgery used to treat thoraco-lumbar fractures in patients with AS reliably provides fracture healing, preserves self-sufficiency, and minimises post-operative complications. MethodsTwo centres included 31 patients with AS who were managed by percutaneous surgery for thoraco-lumbar fractures in 2013–2015. The data were reviewed retrospectively, although admission data were collected prospectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed by comparing the values at baseline and last follow-up of three variables: the Parker score, the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and the EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D) quality-of-life score. Computed tomography was performed 1 year after surgery to evaluate bone healing, screw position, and implant loosening. Intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. ResultsThe 31 patients had a mean age at surgery of 75.1 years, a mean follow-up of 35.6 months, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Three patients died during follow-up. Mean hospital stay duration was 6 days. Cemented screw fixation was used in 18 patients. At last follow-up, all patients had recovered their self-sufficiency; the mean Parker score was 7.14, compared to 6.73 at baseline, the mean VAS pain score was 1.8, and the mean EQ-5D score decrease versus baseline was 0.07 (P=0.02). Bone healing was consistently achieved. Loosening of an uncemented pedicle screw was noted in 1 patient. Of the 228 screws implanted, 6 (2.6%) were improperly positioned, including 1 within the spinal canal in a patient free of neurological manifestations. Asymptomatic cement leakage was noted in 2 patients. DiscussionPercutaneous fixation of thoraco-lumbar fractures in patients with AS is a reliable method that produces a high healing rate and allows prompt patient mobilisation with preservation of self-sufficiency. The post-operative complication rate is low. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective observational study.

Complications after Fusion for Thoracolumbar Fractures in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Study DesignRetrospective analysis of a Medicare database (2005 to 2012).ObjectiveTo study postoperative complication rates following thoracolumbar fusion for traumatic thoracolumbar fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with patients without AS.MethodsThe PearlDiver database (2005 to 2012) was queried to examine postoperative complication rates in patients with AS undergoing posterior thoracolumbar fusion for thoracolumbar fracture (n = 968). Complication rates were compared with proportion-matched controls without AS undergoing the same procedure (n = 1,979). We examined and compared the incidence of death, postoperative infection, transfusion, venous thromboembolism, respiratory failure, pneumonia, myocardial infarction, urinary tract infection, and acute renal failure in each cohort within 90 days postoperatively.ResultsPatients with AS had significantly higher rates of surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 2.2, p = 0.002), day-of-surgery transfusion rates (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.8, p < 0.0001), respiratory failure (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p = 0.0006), pneumonia (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p = 0.0002), acute renal failure (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.3, p = 0.005), and total medical complications (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9, p < 0.0001). Ninety-day mortality was not different between the two cohorts (p = 0.18).ConclusionsThoracolumbar fusion for thoracolumbar fracture in patients with AS is associated with increased rates of surgical site infection, transfusion, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and acute renal failure postoperatively compared with patients without AS. The level of evidence in this study was III.

The Role of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Thoraco-Lumbar Fractures in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Introduction Unstable spine fractures commonly occur in the setting of a poly-traumatized patients. The aim of management is to balance the need for early stabilization with quick patient's mobilization and reduction of additional trauma due to the major open surgery. Material and Methods To assess the operative data, clinical and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive management of Thoraco-lumbar fracture. Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Methods 101 patients underwent minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures percutaneous fixation with or without vertebroplasty. All patients were post-operatively either neurologically intact or improved. There were 60 males and 41 females with an average age of 44 years. Results The mean follow-up was 18 months (3–44 months). The mean operative time was 100 minutes (range 35–240 minutes) and the mean blood loss was &lt; 100mL. VAS was significantly improved from 8.7 to 1 at last follow-up. No patient worsened his or her neurological condition postoperatively. Conclusion Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures in poly-traumatized patients appears to be a safe and effective technique to manage Thoraco-lumbar fractures without neurological impairment and allowing early rehabilitation.

A retrospective study of treating thoracolumbar spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis

Spinal fractures are commonly encountered in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. This study compares the outcome of early surgical treatment with initial conservative treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with AS. From 1996 to 2008, 28 patients with AS were treated either operatively or conservatively for thoracolumbar fractures; however, only 25 patients met the inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up of 2years. For surgically treated patients, posterior spinal instrumentation was performed using a transpedicle screw system. Nonsurgically treated patients wore a fracture brace. The demographic data, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and neurological status were recorded, and fracture healing was assessed radiographically. The mean age was 54.2±13.8years (range 30-80years). Six patients (Group A) received surgical intervention within 1month. All of these fractures healed, and two of five patients showed neurologic improvement after surgery. Eight patients (Group B) had fractures that were missed. The delay in diagnosis resulted in pseudoarthrosis in all cases, and progressive neurologic deficits were identified in four cases. Eleven patients (Group C) received conservative treatment with bracing. Fracture union was achieved in three cases, and pseudoarthrosis occurred in eight cases. Operative treatment can achieve solid fusion and improve the neurological status, while conservative treatment may result in pseudoarthrosis and progressive neurologic deficit. The results suggest that AS patients with unstable spinal fractures should receive early surgical management to prevent further sequelae.

Thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries: diagnosis and treatment-a review of 147 cases.

The initial evaluation and treatment of patients with multiple injuries are challenging. However, little is known about thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries. We aimed to determine the incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine in patients with multiple injuries, to examine the reasons for the delay in diagnosis, and to study the selection of treatment options in the management and timing of surgical intervention. One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and multiple trauma at the authors' hospital between 1988 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine and the reasons for the delay in diagnosis were determined. All these patients were observed for a minimum of 3 years after surgery, except four who died during their hospital stay. Delayed diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures was made in 28 patients (19%). There was an increased incidence of pulmonary complications (p < 0.01) and increased length of hospital stay (p < 0.05) in patients treated nonoperatively compared with patients treated operatively. Although no significant differences in the recovery rate of neurologic function (p > 0.05) were noted between the groups, the surgical patients had highly significantly less pain compared with the nonoperative patients (p < 0.01). The relationship between the timing of thoracolumbar surgery and complications failed to show statistical significance (p > 0.05). Neither the severity of injury nor the timing of surgery had any significant effect on the recovery rate (p > 0.05). Patients with blunt trauma caused by high-energy impact injuries are much more likely to have thoracolumbar fractures even if injuries elsewhere have been noted. Further radiographic studies of the thoracolumbar spine should be performed if there is any question related to a thorough and systematic examination. Choice of treatment options of thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries is not different from that in patients with no associated injuries to other systems. Appropriate timing of thoracolumbar fracture fixation in patients with multiple injuries should not be dependent on a rigid protocol.

Timing of surgery for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple traumas

目的 探讨多发伤患者胸腰椎骨折的手术时机.方法对91例多发伤患者的胸腰椎骨折手术治疗资料作回顾性分析,本组91例,其中男59例,女32例.年龄17～64岁,平均34.8岁.骨折按Denis分类计压缩性骨折7例,爆裂性骨折66例,屈曲分离损伤3例,骨折脱位15例.入院时ISS评分为13～66分,平均31.8分.ASIA评分0～89分,平均26.2分.随访时间3～12年.结果有42例在伤后3d内行手术治疗,占45.1%,其中仅21例(23.1%)在受伤后24h内接受了手术治疗.其余患者手术时间为伤后4～15d,其中有15例(16.5%)为1周以后行手术治疗.胸腰椎骨折手术治疗时机与ISS评分呈负相关(P＜0.01),但与ASIA评分相关性无显著统计学意义(P＞0.05),并发症发生率与手术时机无显著相关性(P＞0.05).ISS评分及手术时机对ASIA评分恢复率均无显著影响.结论多发伤患者胸腰椎骨折手术时机的选择应建立在对患者全身情况的评估以及手术治疗利弊的权衡基础之上,而不应作机械的界定。