Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures Research Articles

The role of kyphoplasty and expandable intravertebral implants in the acute treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review.

The aim of the study was to assess the role of kyphoplasty and expandable intravertebral implants in the treatment of traumatic vertebral compression fractures. This is a systematic review. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE database according to PRISMA guidelines regarding kyphoplasty and expandable intravertebral implants in the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures. A total of 611 records were screened. In total, 51 studies were obtained referring to traumatic vertebral fractures treated with kyphoplasty; however, of these, only studies addressing traumatic burst fractures were selected, resulting in 12 studies: 10 about kyphoplasty and 2 regarding armed kyphoplasty. In all studies, there was a statistically significant improvement in clinical and functional parameters, restoration of vertebral height and decreasing of vertebral and segmental kyphosis. Overall, there was only a residual loss of height and a slight increase in kyphosis throughout the follow-up period, while complications consisted essentially of cement leakage, all with no clinical repercussions. After the discussion, where we address the concepts of direct and indirect reduction, the association of kyphoplasty with pedicle fixation, the potential advantages of expandable intravertebral implants, as well as the vertebral body type of filling in kyphoplasty, it is concluded that kyphoplasty demonstrates favorable outcomes as a method of posterior percutaneous transpedicular access for reconstruction of the anterior column in burst fractures. It allows for the reconstruction of the vertebral body closer to its original anatomy, carried out in a minimally invasive and safe way, which provides a clinical-functional and imaging improvement maintained at the medium-long term.

Establishment of a risk prediction model for residual low back pain in thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify potential independent risk factors for residual low back pain (LBP) in patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) following percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) treatment. Additionally, we aim to develop a nomogram that can accurately predict the occurrence of residual LBP.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of thoracolumbar OVCFs patients who underwent PKP treatment at our hospital between July 2021 and December 2022. Residual LBP was defined as the presence of moderate or greater pain (VAS score ≥ 4) in the low back one day after surgery, and patients were divided into two groups: the LBP group and the non-LBP group. These patients were then randomly allocated to either a training or a validation set in the ratio of 7:3. To identify potential risk factors for residual LBP, we employed lasso regression for multivariate analysis, and from this, we constructed a nomogram. Subsequently, the predictive accuracy and practical clinical application of the nomogram were evaluated through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a calibration curve, and a decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsOur predictive model revealed that five variables—posterior fascial oedema, intravertebral vacuum cleft, time from fracture to surgery, sarcopenia, and interspinous ligament degeneration—were correlated with the presence of residual LBP. In the training set, the area under the ROC was 0.844 (95% CI 0.772–0.917), and in the validation set, it was 0.842 (95% CI 0.744–0.940), indicating that the model demonstrated strong discriminative performance. Furthermore, the predictions closely matched actual observations in both the training and validation sets. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve suggested that the model provides a substantial net clinical benefit.ConclusionsWe have created a novel numerical model capable of accurately predicting the potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of residual LBP following PKP in thoracolumbar OVCFs patients. This model serves as a valuable tool for guiding specific clinical decisions for patients with OVCFs.

Comparison of the clinical effect of unilateral transverse process extrapedicular and bilateral transpedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty for thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

Osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are common with the aging process. This study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral transverse process extrapedicular (UEPKP) and bilateral transpedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty (BTPKP) for patients with thoracolumbar OVCF. Data from 136 patients with OVCF treated with single-level PKP in our hospital between May 2019 and April 2021 were studied. Patients were grouped based on surgical procedure: there were 62 patients in the UEPKP group and 74 in the BTPKP group. All clinical and radiological data were collected from medical records. Clinical outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores of the lumbar spine, were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the follow-up visit. The radiological evaluations (anterior vertebral height rate and local kyphosis angle) and complications were also collected. All patients had successfully improved after surgery. In the UEPKP group, patients showed a significantly shorter operating time and lower fluoroscopy frequency than patients in the BTPKP group (p < 0.05). However, a significantly better distribution score and cement volume were found in the BTPKP group (p < 0.05). The UEPKP group achieved a significantly better VAS score (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8) and ODI (24.7 ± 3.1 vs. 27.5 ± 1.8) at the final follow-up visit than the BTPKP group (p < 0.05). The UEPKP group showed significantly worse radiological outcomes (anterior height rate and local kyphosis angle) at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (p < 0.05). As for complications, the UEPKP group showed significantly fewer facet joint violations and intraspinal leakages (p < 0.05). UEPKP could be a safe and effective alternative procedure for patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, which possesses an apparent advantage in reducing intraspinal leakage and facet joint violation over BTPKP.

Retracted: Effect of Core Stability Training on Unstable Support Surfaces in Postoperative Rehabilitation of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures in the Elderly

Retracted: Effect of Core Stability Training on Unstable Support Surfaces in Postoperative Rehabilitation of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures in the Elderly

Analysis of Potential Risk Factors for Cement Leakage into Paraspinal Veins after Vertebroplasty for Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Based on a 3D Reconstruction Technique: A Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study.

Pulmonary embolism, cardiac embolism, and even cerebral embolism due to paraspinal vein leakage (PVL) are increasingly reported, and their risk factors need to be adequately investigated for prevention. To this end, this study investigated the correlation of the distribution and morphological characteristics of fracture lines with the occurrence of PVL after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), which has not been previously reported. Patients with acute single-segment thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) treated with PVP at our institution from January 2019 to July 2022 were selected for a matched case-control study. The case and control groups included those with and without PVL, respectively, matched at a 1:1 ratio based on general clinical characteristics. Additionally, fracture map and heatmap analysis was performed in both groups. In addition to the general clinical characteristics, the vertebral height ratio, puncture angle, delivery rate, and indexes were assessed via the three-dimensional CT reconstruction fracture line mapping technique, namely, the distribution of fracture lines, fracture line length, main fracture line shape, location of fracture line involvement, and number of fracture line branches, were compared between the two groups. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, t tests, analysis of variance, and conditional logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Among 658 patients with OVCFs, 54 who did and 54 who did not develop PVL were included in this study. Significant differences in the puncture angle, fracture line distribution (MR-1, ML-2, MM-2, MR-2, ML-3, MM-3, LL-1, LM-1, LL-2, LM-2), fracture line involvement of the posterior wall, total fracture line length, and main fracture line length were found between the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic univariate analysis showed significant differences in the puncture angle, fracture line distribution (MR-1, ML-2, MM-2, MR-2, ML-3, MM-3, LL-1, LL-2, LM-2, LL-3), total fracture line length, main fracture line length, and fracture line involvement of the posterior wall between the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic multifactorial analysis showed that the fracture line distribution (UR-3, ML-3, LM-2, LR-2) and main fracture line length were independent risk factors for the development of PVL in both groups. In addition, the fracture maps and heatmaps showed a greater degree of fracture line encapsulation and more extensive involvement in the middle and lower regions of the vertebral body in the PVL group than in the control group. Through a three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction-based fracture line mapping technique, this study revealed for the first time that the distribution of fracture lines (UR-3, ML-3, LM-2, LR-2) and main fracture line length were independent risk factors for PVL after PVP in patients with acute single-segment thoracolumbar OVCFs. In addition, we hypothesized that the fracture line-vein traffic branch that may appear within 2 weeks after injury in acute OVCF patients may be one of the mechanisms influencing the above potential independent risk factors associated with PVL.

Comparison of thoracolumbar versus non-thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in risk factors, vertebral compression degree and pre-hospital back pain

BackgroundThoracolumbar spine is at high risk of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). This study aimed to identify the differences in risk factors, vertebral compression degree and back pain characteristics of thoracolumbar OVCF (TL-OVCF) and non-thoracolumbar OVCF (nTL-OVCF).MethodsOVCF patients hospitalized in a spine center between June 2016 and October 2020 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, comorbidity, spine trauma, bone mineral density, duration of pre-hospital back pain, extent of vertebral marrow edema, and degree of vertebral compression of patients with nTL-OVCF were summarized and compared to those with TL-OVCF.ResultsA total of 944 patients with acute single-segment OVCF were included. There were 708 (75.0%) TL-OVCF located in T11-L2 and 236 (25.0%) nTL-OVCF in lower lumbar (L3-L5) and middle thoracic (T5-T10) spine. The female-male ratio was 4.1 in nTL-OVCF and differed not significantly from TL-OVCF. The middle thoracic OVCF were older and had higher comorbidity of coronary heart disease (21.3%) and cerebral infarction (36.3%) than TL-OVCF (12.1% and 20.6%). In nTL-OVCF the ratio of apparent spine trauma (44.9%) and pre-hospital back pain ≤ 1 week (47.5%) was lower than in TL-OVCF (66.9% and 62.6%). The T-score value of lumbar spine was − 2.99 ± 1.11, − 3.24 ± 1.14, − 3.05 ± 1.40 in < 70, 70–80, > 80 years old TL-OVCF and differed not significantly from nTL-OVCF. The lower lumbar OVCF had more cranial type of vertebral marrow edema (21.8%) and fewer concurrent lumbodorsal fasciitis (30.8%) than TL-OVCF (16.8% and 43.4%). In TL-OVCF the anterior–posterior vertebral height ratio was lower with back pain for > 4 weeks than for ≤ 1, 1–2, and 2–4 weeks. In nTL-OVCF the degree of vertebral compression differed not significantly with pre-hospital back pain for ≤ 1, 1–2, 2–4, and > 4 weeks.ConclusionsThoracolumbar spine has 2-folds higher risk of OVCF than non-thoracolumbar spine. Non-thoracolumbar OVCF are not associated with female gender, apparent spine trauma or poor bone mineral density, but tend to maintain the degree of vertebral compression and cause longer duration of pre-hospital back pain.

Percutaneous Vertebral Reconstruction (PVR) Technique of Pathological Compression Fractures: An Innovative Combined Treatment of Microwave Ablation, Bilateral Expandable Titanium SpineJack Implants Followed by Vertebroplasty.

(1) Background: to retrospectively evaluate safety and efficacy of combined microwave ablation (MWA) and bilateral expandable titanium SpineJack (SJ) implants followed by vertebroplasty (VP) for the treatment of painful thoracolumbar pathological vertebral compression fracture. (2) Methods: from July 2017 to October 2022, twenty-eight patients (13 women and 15 men; mean age 68 ± 11 years) with a history of primary neoplasm and thirty-six painful vertebral metastases with vertebral compression fracture underwent combined MWA and bilateral expandable titanium SpineJack implants with vertebroplasty. We analyzed safety through complications rate, and efficacy through vertebral height restoration and pain decrease, evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), and local tumor control. Contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and a contrast-enhanced spine MRI at 6 months after the procedure. (3) Results: Technical success rate was 100%. No procedure-related major complications or death occurred. Vertebral height restoration was observed in 22 levels (58%), with a mean anterior height restoration of 2.6 mm ± 0.6 and a mean middle height restoration of 4.4 mm ± 0.6 (p < 0.001). Mean VAS score of pain evaluation on the day before treatment was 6.3 ± 1.5 (range 4-9). At the 6-month evaluation, the median VAS score for pain was 0.4 ± 0.6 (range 0-2) with a mean reduction of 93.65% (6.8 ± 0.7 vs. 0.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.000) compared with baseline evaluation. Contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and a contrast-enhanced spine MRI was performed at 6 months after the procedure, showing no local recurrence, implant displacement, or new fractures in the treated site. (4) Conclusions: combined microwave ablation and bilateral expandable titanium SpineJack implants with vertebroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of pathological compressive vertebral fractures. The vertebral stabilization achieved early and persistent pain relief, increasing patient mobility, improving recovery of walking capacity, and providing local tumor control.

Comparison of clinical effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty with two different puncture approaches on the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with narrow pedicles: a retrospective controlled study

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) with conventional transpedicle approach (CTA) or basal transverse process-pedicle approach (BTPA) on the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TL-OVCFs) with narrow pedicles.MethodsA retrospective study of TL-OVCFs with narrow pedicles was performed, including 78 cases of CTA and 84 cases of BTPA. The surgical outcomes, radiographic parameters [the width and height of the pedicle (PW, PH), the inclination angle of puncture (PIA)] and clinical indicators [visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)] of two groups were compared.ResultsIn terms of surgical outcomes of them, there was no difference in operation time (P > 0.05), while the volume of bone cement, the incidence of bone cement leakage and rate of good bone cement distribution were significantly worse in the CTA group (4.4 ± 0.6 ml vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 ml, 37.2% vs. 20.2%, 52.6% vs. 79.8%, P < 0.05). As for radiographic parameters and clinical indicators of them, the differences were not observed in the PH, PW, preoperative VAS score and ODI (P > 0.05), whereas the PIA, VAS score and ODI at 1 day postoperatively were significantly better in the BTPA group (17.3 ± 2.1° vs. 29.6 ± 2.8°, 2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8, 32.8 ± 4.6 vs. 26.7 ± 4.0, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study provided solid evidence that PVP with BTPA had more advantages in the treatment of TL-OVCFs with narrow pedicles, which can better relieve postoperative pain.

O-Arm- and Guide-Device-Assisted Personalized Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

With the ageing of the global population, the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) is increasing. To assess the safety and efficacy of O-arm- and guide-device-assisted personalized percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for treating thoracolumbar OVCFs, a total of 38 consecutive thoracolumbar OVCF patients who underwent bilateral PKP assisted with an O-arm and a guide device (O-GD group, n = 16) or traditional fluoroscopy (TF group, n = 22) from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and their epidemiologic, clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed. The operation time was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in the O-GD group (38.3 ± 12.2 min) compared with the TF group (57.2 ± 9.7 min). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy exposures was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in the O-GD group (31.9 ± 4.5) compared with the TF group (46.7 ± 7.2). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly decreased (p = 0.031) in the O-GD group (6.9 ± 2.5 mL) compared with the TF group (9.1 ± 3.3 mL). No significant difference (p = 0.854) in the volume of injected cement was observed between the O-GD group (6.8 ± 1.3 mL) and the TF group (6.7 ± 1.7 mL). Both the clinical and radiological outcomes, including the visual analogue scale score for pain, Oswestry Disability Index and anterior height and local kyphotic angle of the fractured vertebrae, were significantly improved at the postoperative and final follow-up but did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of cement leakage and refracture of the vertebral body was similar in the two groups (p = 0.272; p = 0.871). Our preliminary study demonstrated that O-GD-assisted PKP is a safe and effective procedure that presents a significantly shorter operation time, fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy exposures and less intraoperative blood loss than the TF technique.

Handgrip strength is correlated with activities of daily living, balance, and body composition in patients with thoracolumbar compression fracture.

This study assessed the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and activities of daily living, balance, walking speed, calf circumference, body muscle, and body composition in elderly patients with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture (VCF). A cross-sectional study in a single hospital was performed with elderly patients diagnosed with VCF. After admission, we evaluated HGS, 10-meter walk test (speed), Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), numerical rating scale of body pain, and calf circumference. We examined skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, total body water (TBW), intracellular water, extracellular water (ECW), and phase angle (PhA) in patients with VCF using multi-frequency direct segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis after admission. A total of 112 patients admitted for VCF were enrolled (26 males, 86 females; mean age 83.3 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guideline was 61.6%. HGS was significantly correlated with walking speed (P < .001, R = 0.485), Barthel Index (P < .001, R = 0.430), BBS (P < .001, R = 0.511), calf circumference (P < .001, R = 0.491), skeletal muscle mass index (P < .001, R = 0.629), ECW/TBW (P < .001, r = -0.498), and PhA (P < .001, R = 0.550). HGS was more strongly correlated with walking speed, Barthel Index, BBS, ECW/TBW ratio, and PhA in men than women. In patients with thoracolumbar VCF, HGS is associated with walking speed, muscle mass, activities of daily living measured using the Barthel Index, and balance measured using BBS. The findings suggest that HGS is an important indicator of activities of daily living, balance, and whole-body muscle strength. Furthermore, HGS is related to PhA and ECW/TBW.

Trabecular Bone Score and Central Quantitative Computed Tomography for the Prediction of Vertebral Fragility Fractures in Postmenopausal Women.

We aimed to investigate whether densitometry results and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) can predict vertebral fragility fractures (VFF) in postmenopausal women. We enrolled 271 postmenopausal women aged >45 years who visited our hospital for health check-ups between September 2016 and September 2017. The lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) densitometry results and trabecular bone score (TBS) were calculated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. vBMD was assessed using central quantitative computed tomography (cQCT). Baseline and follow-up X-ray images were reviewed to evaluate thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (CFs), according to the Genant criteria. At baseline, 76 patients (28.0%) had CF. Additional or progressive fractures were noted in 26 participants (9.6%) with a median follow-up of 19.5 months. The median TBS and cQCT were significantly higher in participants without baseline CF than those with baseline CF (p<0.001). During the follow-up, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that T-scores of the LS and FN <-2.5, degraded microarchitecture based on the TBS (≤1.200), and vBMD <80 mg/cm3 was significantly associated with future osteoporotic CF. The final multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that baseline CF and low TBS and vBMD were significant risk factors for future VFF. Participants with baseline CF and degraded microarchitecture had higher CF predisposition. Moreover, cQCT can predict future vertebral fractures.

Risk factors and strategies for recovery quality, postoperative pain, and recurrent fractures between percutaneous kyphoplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in elderly patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

With the increase of clinical cases and the improvement of operation, we found that recurrent fracture of the adjacent vertebral body is a common long-term complication of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). However, the mechanism of re-fracture of adjacent vertebrae after PKP has not been unified. Therefore, through retrospective study, this paper discussed the risk factors and countermeasures affecting the quality of rehabilitation, postoperative pain and recurrent fracture in elderly PKP patients. From December 2019 to May 2021, 313 patients with osteoporotic spinal fractures were analyzed retrospectively. Cases were allocated to percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP; n=130) and PKP (n=183) groups according to the modes of operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Cobb angle, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated. Based on the occurrence of new fractures, the PKP cohort (n=15) and control cohort (n=32) were classified. Questionnaires analyzed the postoperative re-fractures of people with different characteristics, and the influencing factors of postoperative re-fracture were measured by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the PKP group. The ODI scores in the PKP group were considerably lower than those in the PVP group after surgery. Univariate analysis indicated that age, number of injured vertebrae, history of complicated fracture, number of operative vertebrae, and bone mineral density (BMD) were remarkably correlated with recurrent fracture after PKP. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, operative vertebral body, BMD, and the number of injured vertebrae were independent risk factors for recurrent fracture after PKP. BMI, BMD, low back soft tissue injury, postoperative vertebral height recovery rate, sagittal Cobb angle improvement rate, total diffusion coefficient of bone cement, short-term complications, non-union, and recurrent fracture were the main risk factors of residual low back pain after PKP. The clinical efficacy of PKP in elderly patients with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture is superior to that of PVP. Clinical attention should be paid to identifying high-risk factors for complications after PKP, and preventive measures should be implemented to help reduce the occurrence of recurrent fractures and postoperative residual pain.

Utility of thermographic evaluation in spinal cord stimulation therapy DTM workflow for thoracolumbar compression fracture and lumbar spinal canal stenosis

Among the orthopedic conditions that cause low back pain, many patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures and lumbar spinal canal stenosis caused by osteoporosis visit orthopedic surgeons. However, many patients do not respond to analgesics or nerve block injections, and many are at risk or unwilling to undergo surgery due to age or underlying disease. We believe that spinal cord stimulation therapy is a new treatment option for orthopedic low back and leg pain. We have performed spinal cord stimulation for chronic intractable pain in patients with thoracolumbar spine compression fractures and lumbar spinal canal stenosis who had lower limb pain and back pain. There are few reports of spinal cord stimulation therapy treatment by orthopedic surgeons. In many cases, medical medications and nerve blocks do not improve the pain, and surgical treatment may be performed. We evaluated whether minimally invasive spinal cord stimulation therapy for orthopedic diseases improves pain by altering blood flow to the lower extremities using thermography. Methods: Thermography and NRS of both lower extremities were measured before and after spinal cord stimulation therapy in 27 patients (15 women and 12 men) with back and leg pain due to thoracolumbar spine compression fracture and lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Results: Thermography showed an increase in body surface temperature of approximately 6°C. NRS showed an average improvement of 6.4. Discussion: Spinal cord stimulation therapy may improve blood flow in both lower limbs and lower back and leg pain, especially for back and leg pain caused by thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture and lumbar spinal canal stenosis, among other orthopedic diseases. Thermography is likely to be useful as an evaluation tool.

Impact Of the Covid-19 Pandemic on The Prevalence of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures in Elderly People

Covid-19 had a profound effect on many parts of life during 2020. Our country, much like the majority of other nations across the globe, saw a Covid-19 epidemic, a wave reaching its height from the middle of March through April of 2020. This brought about significant difficulties for our civilization in a variety of spheres, including the medical, social, and economic spheres. On February 27th, the first patient in our country to be diagnosed with Covid-19 was identified. Objective: To evaluate the Covid-19 effect on the prevalence of thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures in elderly people. Methods: A total of 172 individuals with vertebral compression fractures (VCF) were above the age of 65 years. The age and gender of the patients were comparable across the two research groups. Only those people who exhibited symptoms for less than four weeks were taken into account. We analyzed every patient's medical records and obtained all essential data, including demographics (gender, age, and compression fracture risk factors), fracture mechanism, and location of the fracture. Results: In 2020, we observed a greater percentage of high-energy VCF (10.5% versus 6.7%). In 2020, there were 7.5 times more recurrent fractures and the proportion of Ankylosing Spondylitis was much higher. Similar admission rates to VCF ED were observed, with 60% receiving conservative care. The number of procedures performed on admitted patients increased in 2020 (66.7% vs. 60%, P =.71), and PBK plus fixation tended to be more common in 2020 compared to 2018-19 (15.8% versus 7.5%, P =.29). In the Covid-19 epidemic, the RR for BKP Plus fixation vs. BKP alone was 1.95, indicating increased risks for difficult operation. In 2020, there were significantly more complications (18.4% vs 3.7%, P.001). Time to surgery also increased somewhat in 2020, from 6.25 days to 5.3 days (P =.55), and admission duration increased marginally (12.2 days vs. 9.9 days, P =.27). Most of the patients choose home treatment over inpatient care during the Covid-19 pandemic (72.2% vs. 58.8%). Conclusions: The frequency of VCF did not vary as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; nevertheless, the features of patients did change, which had an effect on hospitalizations, institutional rehabilitative services, and a predilection for extensive surgery as opposed to BKP alone. Although it is not yet known whether or not COVID-19 will continue to be a problem in the years to come, the effects and lessons it has provided are still valuable.

The Effects of Bone Cement Volume in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Thoracolumbar Junction Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Clinical Comparative Study.

We compared the outcomes of patients treated with different volumes of polymethyl methacrylate bone cement during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures. We performed a comparative, retrospective study of 316 patients who underwent PVP for a single-level thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (≤5 mL; n = 146) and group B (>5 mL; n = 170). The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) scores were compared between the two groups at 1 week and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after PVP. The incidence of cement leakage into the intervertebral discs was evaluated by a postoperative lateral radiograph assessment. Patients were evaluated for new fractures 1 and 2 years after PVP or when new fractures were suspected. Among the 316 patients enrolled, 245 completed the clinical research. No difference between groups A and B in terms of the VAS, RDQ, and rate of complications at all time points after surgery was observed. The presence of intervertebral disc leakage was a relative risk (RR) for subsequent total vertebral fracture (RR, 6.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.72-14.19; P < 0.0001) and adjacent vertebral fracture (RR, 8.03; 95% CI, 2.74-23.54; P = 0.0001). A high volume of bone cement may increase the rate of subsequent total and adjacent vertebral fractures. However, the occurrence of intervertebral disc leakage is the principal risk factor for these negative outcomes of PVP.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics analysis of 681 cases of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). The clinical and imaging data of 681 patients with thoracolumbar OVCF treated with PVP between January 2017 and December 2021 were collected. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patients with thoracolumbar OVCF in single center were summarized from the aspects of demographic distribution (mainly including gender, age), fracture characteristic analysis [including pathological segments, bone mineral density, and body mass index (BMI)], and operation related results (including the distribution of unilateral and bilateral puncture and bone cement injection, postoperative effectiveness analysis and refracture). Of the 681 patients, 134 (19.68%) were male and 547 (80.32%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶4.08. The age ranged from 53 to 105 years, with an average of 75.3 years. The age group of 60-90 years old had the largest number of patients (91.04%); the high incidence age group of men was 70-90 years old (13.95%), and that of women was 60-80 years old (72.98%). A total of 836 vertebrae were involved, and the morbidity of thoracolumbar vertebrae (T 11-L 1) was the highest (56.34%, 471/836). The main type of fracture was compression fracture (92.58%, 774/836) and Kümmell disease (7.42%, 62/836). There were 489 cases (71.81%) of osteoporosis, including 66 males and 423 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶6.42. There was significant difference in distribution of bone mineral density between male and female groups ( Z=-5.810, P<0.001). BMI showed 206 cases (30.25%) of underweight, 347 (50.95%) cases of normal, 58 cases (8.52%) of overweight, 42 cases (6.17%) of obese, and 28 cases (4.11%) of extremely obese. The difference in BMI distribution between male and female groups was significant ( Z=-2.220, P=0.026). Of 836 vertebral bodies, 472 (56.46%) were punctured unilaterally and 364 (43.54%) bilaterally. Most of the vertebral bodies (49.88%, 417/836) were injected with 5.0-6.9 mL bone cement, and most of them were distributed in thoracolumbar and lumbar vertebral bodies (T 11-L 3). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) of patients with unilateral puncture and bilateral puncture significantly improved at 6 months after operation ( P<0.001), and also the difference was significant between the two groups in the difference of pre- and post-operation ( P<0.001). There were 628 cases (92.22%) with the first occurrence of OVCF, and 53 cases (7.78%) with two or more times of OVCF, all of which were female patients, and 26 cases (49.06%) occurred in the adjacent segment of the previous PVP operation. Female were more than male in OVCF patients. Thoracolumbar vertebral body has the highest morbidity. Patients with low BMI are more likely to have osteoporosis, and patients with high BMI have a higher risk of compression fracture. The amount of bone cement injected through bilateral puncture was greater than that through unilateral puncture.

Evaluation of Postoperative Analgesia in Patients with Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture without Nerve Injury by CT using Filtered Back Projection Reconstruction Algorithm

To study computed tomography (CT) images based on filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm, and analyze the clinical efficacy of dexmedetomidine (Dex) combined with dezocine in thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures patients without nerve injury during surgery, 75 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures were divided into the experimental group (dexmedetomidine combined with dezocine intravenous injection) and the control group (dezocine intravenous injection). The anterior/middle vertebral height and kyphotic angle, assessment of thoracolumbar function (Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score) (JOA)/pain level (visual analogue scale) (VAS), onset of sensory block/palinesthesia/post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay/duration of anesthesia, dosage of intravenous analgesic drugs/rate of supplementary analgesics, adverse reactions, and other indicators were observed. It found that CT image was clearer and the resolution was higher after algorithm processing; after treatment, the height of anterior/middle vertebral height in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05; JOA was greater than that in the control group, and VAS score was less than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05; the time of onset of sensory block/palinesthesia/PACU stay, the dosage of intravenous analgesic drugs/the rate of supplementary analgesic drugs, incidence of adverse reactions were less than those in the control group, and duration of anesthesia was greater than that in the control group, P &lt; 0.05. Therefore, this drug has a significant analgesic effect on patients with thoracolumbar fracture after surgery.

Clinical correlation between osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures and lumbar spondylolisthesis.

This study was to explore the clinical correlation between osteoporosis thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture (thoracolumbar OVCF) and lumbar spondylolisthesis (LS). In total, 208 patients with thoracolumbar OVCF (fracture group) and 250 elderly patients with osteoporosis (non-fracture group) were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of LS was compared between the two groups. At the same time, 75 cases of elderly patients with osteoporosis were selected, including 25 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 25 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 25 patients without LS (non-LS group). All patients underwent full-length spine anteroposterior and lateral X-ray, and the spinal pelvic imaging parameters were collected for comparison. The incidence of LS in the fracture group (10.1%, 21/208) was significantly higher than that in the non-fracture group (4.8%, 12/250); the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 4.763, P = 0.029). The incidence of trauma in the fracture group (51.0%, 106/208) was significantly higher than that in the non-fracture group (13.6%, 34/250); the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 74.673, P = 0.000). The LS (OR = 2.273, 95% CI = 1.030-5.017, P = 0.042) and trauma (OR = 6.622, 95% CI = 4.203-10.432, P = 0.000) were independently associated with thoracolumbar OVCF. There were significant differences in pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) among the IS, DS, and non-LS groups (P < 0.05). Among them, PI, SS, LL, TLK, and TK of the IS group and the DS group were significantly higher than those of the non-LS group (P < 0.05). Patients with LS are more likely to suffer from OVCF in the future, and LS is one of the important risk factors for secondary OVCF.

Value of MRI in assessing back pain after thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and discussion on the underlying mechanisms by tissue biopsy.

The specific radiological feature of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) is bone marrow oedema (BME) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the relationship between BME and back pain (BP) is unclear. We investigated the value of MRI in assessing BP and discussed the relevant mechanisms by tissue biopsy. One hundred nineteen patients with thoracolumbar OVCFs were included in this study. We divided all patients into two groups: the low-oedema group (BME ≤ 75%) and the high-oedema group (BME > 75%). To reduce the error generated in the acute phase of fracture, we separately analysed patients in phases I (within one month) and II (more than one month). We compared the differences between the groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and investigated the correlations using Spearman's correlation test. The degree of BP was significantly correlated with BME (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and fibrous tissue content (p = 0.006; p = 0.035) in both phases. Further, the fibrous tissue content in the low-oedema group (12.49 ± 7.37%; 15.25 ± 13.28%) was significantly lower than that in the high-oedema group (25.68 ± 20.39%, p = 0.014; 23.92 ± 14.61%, p = 0.022) in both phases. The lamellar bone content was significantly correlated with BP (p = 0.021) in phase II. BME signals on MRI can accurately predict the degree of BP, and the main mechanisms are related to the stimulation of fibrous tissue.

Investigation of Possible Reasons of Failed Treatment of Conservative Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures.

To investigate the possible reasons of failed conservative treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Sagittal balance impairment may weaken union by increasing the load on the fracture line. Most osteoporotic vertebral fractures occur in the thoracolumbar and mid-thoracic regions. We investigated the records of patients aged > 60 years who underwent treatment for osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs between 2012 and 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: those who required surgical treatment due to the failure of conservative treatment and those who were successfully treated with conservative treatment. All the patients underwent lateral radiography and computer tomography of the whole spine at their initial and final visit. The radiographic parameters of spine and presence of sarcopenia, age, and gender were compared between the groups. Of the study subjects, the mean age of 13 females and 7 males in whom conservative treatment was successful was 67.4 years and the mean follow-up period was 23.5 months, while in 18 females and 5 males who underwent surgical treatment due to the failure of conservative treatment, the mean age was 68.7 years and the mean follow-up period was 22.1 months. No significant differences between the groups regarding age and gender were observed. However, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the presence of sarcopenia and thoracic kyphosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis and distance from the center of the fractured vertebra to the plumb line (DSVA). Sarcopenia and DSVA were significantly higher in the surgical treatment group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of DSVA for identifying high-risk patients for failed conservative treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs were 100% and 95%, respectively, with an optimum diagnostic cutoff value of 6.5 mm.