Transpedicular Approach Research Articles

Posterolateral transpedicular approach for ventrally seated cervicothoracic spinal cord lesions: how I do it

BackgroundSurgical exposure of lower cervical and upper thoracic intradural extramedullary lesions located along the ventral medulla are among the most complexes to address in spinal surgery, and their surgical removal carries a high risk.MethodsWe describe the surgical steps of a posterolateral transpedicular approach for resection of an intradural extramedullary lesion located anterolaterally at C7-T1 level.ConclusionsA posterolateral transpedicular approach is a safe and efficient surgical corridor to explore the ventral spinal cord and to have a direct access to lower cervical-upper thoracic lesions without the extensive manipulation of the spinal cord and the spine instability.

Posterior-only approach in patients with poor general condition and spinal metastatic vertebral fracture

PurposeThe surgical treatment of spinal metastases is mostly palliative in nature and focuses on improving the quality of life of patients. The posterior transpedicular surgical approach provides circumferential 360° decompression, allows reconstruction and stabilisation to be achieved in a single session and can be performed using an open, mini-open or minimally invasive approach. We present and discuss the surgical techniques and outcomes for patients with single-level metastatic spinal disease and in poor general condition who underwent surgery via the posterior-only transpedicular corpectomy approach and reconstruction with expandable corpectomy cages. MethodsPatients with a single level thoracolumbar metastatic disease (T3-L5) and a Karnofsky score of ≤70, who underwent a complete posterior transpedicular corpectomy with expandable cage reconstruction of the anterior spinal column were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ demographics, SINS, modified Tokuhashi scores as well as preoperative and postoperative ASIA scale, Karnofsky scores, VAS scores and vertebral height/Cobb angle values were analysed. ResultsA total of 44 patients (24 M/20 F) (mean age 53.25±21.26 years) met the inclusion criteria. The modified Tokuhashi scores were as follows: score 0–8, 5 (11.4%) patients; score 9–11, 14 (31.8%) patients; and score 12–15, 25 (56.8%) patients. There were significant improvements in the postoperative VAS scores (mean 7.7–2.9), Karnofsky scores (mean 63.3–79.6) as well as the Cobb angles (18.6–12.8°) and vertebral height. Thirtyfive patients showed improved neurological function by at least one ASIA grade, whereas 9 showed no improvement during the postoperative period. ConclusionsThis technique, which has a low complication rate and a short recovery time, can help achieve satisfactory results even in patients with poor metabolic profiles and Karnofsky scores in the preoperative period. Further clinical studies with large patient groups are warranted to confirm the results of this study.

Relación entre el volumen de cemento inyectado y el volumen vertebral en el resultado clínico y en la aparición de fugas tras vertebroplastia percutánea

ObjectivesTo assess the connection between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume measured through a volumetric analysis with a computed tomography (CT scan) in relation to the clinical result and the appearance of a leakage in patients who underwent a percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic fracture. Materials and methodsA prospective study of 27 patients (18 female-9 male) with an average age of 69 years old (50-81), and with a one-year follow-up. The study group presented 41 vertebrae with osteoporotic fractures that were treated with a percutaneous vertebroplasty with a bilateral transpedicular approach. The volume of injected cement was registered in each procedure and it was assessed together with the spinal volume measured through a volumetric analysis with CT scans. The percentage of the spinal filler was calculated. The appearance of cement leakage was proved by means of a simple radiography and a postoperative CT scan in all the cases. The leaks were classified according to the location in relation to the vertebral body (posterior, lateral, anterior and in the disc), and the significance (minor: smaller than the largest diameter of the pedicle; moderate: larger than the pedicle but smaller than the height of the vertebra; major: larger than the height of the vertebra). ResultsThe average vertebra volume was 26.1 cc, the average volume of the injected cement was 2.0 cc and the percentage of the average filler was 9%. A total of 15 leaks in 41 vertebrae appeared (37%). The leaks were posterior in 2 vertebrae, vascular in 8 and into the disc in 5 vertebrae. They were deemed as minor in 12 cases, moderate in 1 and major in 2 cases. The preoperative assessment of the pain was as it follows: VAS (8) and Oswestry (67%). The cessation of pain was immediate after a year with the following postoperative results: VAS (1.7) and Oswestry (19%). The only complication was the temporary neuritis with a spontaneous resolution. ConclusionsThe injection of small amounts of cement, lower than the ones referred to by literary sources, obtains clinical results similar to the ones obtained by injecting higher amounts and it reduces the number of cement leaks and further complications.

Optimization of Transpedicular Electrode Insertion for Electroporation-Based Treatments of Vertebral Tumors.

Electroporation-based treatments such as electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation ablation have sparked interest with respect to their use in medicine. Treatment planning involves determining the best possible electrode positions and voltage amplitudes to ensure treatment of the entire clinical target volume (CTV). This process is mainly performed manually or with computationally intensive genetic algorithms. In this study, an algorithm was developed to optimize electrode positions for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors without using computationally intensive methods. The algorithm considers the electric field distribution in the CTV, identifies undertreated areas, and uses this information to iteratively shift the electrodes from their initial positions to cover the entire CTV. The algorithm performs successfully for different spinal segments, tumor sizes, and positions within the vertebra. The average optimization time was 71 s with an average of 4.9 iterations performed. The algorithm significantly reduces the time and expertise required to create a treatment plan for vertebral tumors. This study serves as a proof of concept that electrode positions can be determined (semi-)automatically based on the spatial information of the electric field distribution in the target tissue. The algorithm is currently designed for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors via a transpedicular approach but could be adapted for other anatomic sites in the future.

The role of transpedicular approach in thoracolumbar junction burst fracture with significant canal compromise

The role of transpedicular approach in thoracolumbar junction burst fracture with significant canal compromise

A modified trajectory of kyphoplasty via superior pedicle notch for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: Technique note and clinical result.

BackgroundPercutaneous extra-pedicular kyphoplasty can achieve better clinical results than transpedicular kyphoplasty. However, lumbar segment artery injury as a disaster complication limits its clinical application.ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate a modified trajectory of kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).MethodsEighty-one patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for lumbar OVCF at our hospital between May 2017 and May 2021 were enrolled. The patients were divided into an observation group (via the superior pedicle approach) and a control group (via the transpedicular approach) according to the surgical trajectory. The surgical procedure was described in detail, and the imaging parameters were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected for statistical analysis.ResultsPKP via the superior pedicle notch approach could offer large abduction and cranial inclination angles without serious complications. The rate of paravertebral leakage was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group. Surgery with a superior pedicle notch approach had a shorter operative time and fewer fluoroscopies.ConclusionsPKP via the superior pedicle notch approach is a modified extra-pedicular approach for lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. This trajectory is an easy-to-use target position because it enters the vertebral body directly. A shorter operative time and lower radiation exposure can enhance recovery after surgery.

Posterior midline transpedicular approach for third rib neoplasm

Aneurysmal bone cysts are primarily benign neoplastic lesions, often occurring in childhood and adolescent age group. A 27 year old male with neoplastic lesion arising from the posterior end of right third rib, underwent resection without thoracotomy or use of thoracoscopy. In this technique we used posterior midline transpedicular approach and resected with the help of neuronavigation system. Use of neuro navigation system helps to achieve tumour free margin and very usefull in neoplasms closer to the spine. This is a minimally invasive approach for neoplasm arising from the rib without thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.

A Comparison Between Modified Unilateral Extrapedicular and Bilateral Transpedicular Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Lumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

Few researchers have verified the clinical efficacy and safety of the modified unilateral extrapedicular approach (mUEP) applied to the percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in comparative studies with other puncture techniques. Compared with the bilateral transpedicular approach (BTP), whether mUEP PKP is a preferred treatment for lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) remains unclear. Patients treated by PKP for single-level lumbar OVCF in our institution from September 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were grouped according to the puncture techniques. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow-up. The clinical evaluation was performed by using visual analog scale for pain relief and Oswestry Disability Index for health status. Radiologic measurements contained anterior vertebral height, kyphotic angle, and bone cement distribution. In total, 76 patients with a mean follow-up duration of 16.6 months were enrolled, including 34 patients in the mUEP PK group and 42 patients in the BTP PKP group. In the mUEP group, operation time, fluoroscopy times, and injected cement volume were significantly less than that in the BTP group (P < 0.01). Both visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores of all patients decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.01), with no significant differences between the 2 groups at each follow-up. Both mUEP PKP and BTP PKP showed significant anterior height restoration and kyphotic angle correction (P < 0.01), with no significant differences between the 2 groups at each follow-up. Meanwhile, the mUEP PKP reduced the incidence of intraspinal cement leakage (P < 0.05), and no facet joint violation was found in mUEP PKP. mUEP PKP could be clinically and radiographically equivalent to BTP PKP. However, it has advantages in reducing operation time and fluoroscopy times, lowering the risk of intraspinal cement leakage, and preventing the presence of facet joint violation. Compared with BTP PKP, the mUEP PKP seems to be an effective and alternative puncture technique for the treatment of lumbar OVCF after appropriate patient selection.

A Novel Trajectory for a Transpedicular Approach in the Treatment of a Highly Downward-Migrated Lumbar Herniation with a Full Endoscopic Technique.

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical outcome of full endoscopic discectomy using a novel trajectory via a transpedicular approach.MethodThirty-five patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between July 2014 and October 2019 in the Beijing Haidian Hospital. All patients were treated with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy via a transpedicular approach with an oblique trajectory. The imaging parameters, including pedicle height and angle of trajectory, were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected for statistical analysis.ResultsAll patients underwent successful surgery without severe complications. We compared the visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index scores before and after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the good-to-excellent rate was 85.7% at the last follow-up. The average angles of trajectory in the sagittal and coronal planes were 34.5° ± 2.9° and 47.1° ± 5.0°, respectively.ConclusionThe new trajectory of the transpedicular approach with a full endoscopic technique for an extremely downward-migrated disc herniation showed excellent results in a small sample study. A precise surgical plan is required, comprising measurements of the pedicle height and angle of the bone tunnel.

Ultrasonic spine surgery for every thoracic disc herniation: a 43-patient case series and technical note demonstrating safety and efficacy using a partial transpedicular thoracic discectomy with ultrasonic aspiration and ultrasound guidance.

Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are a challenging pathology. A variety of surgical techniques have been used to achieve spinal cord decompression. This series elucidates the versatility, efficacy, and safety of the partial transpedicular approach with the use of intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration for resection of TDHs of various sizes, locations, and consistencies. This technique can be deployed to safely remove all TDHs. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent a thoracic discectomy via the partial transpedicular approach between January 2014 and December 2020 by a single surgeon. Variables reviewed included demographics, perioperative imaging, and functional outcome scores. A total of 43 patients (53.5% female) underwent 54 discectomies. The most common presenting symptoms were myelopathy (86%), motor weakness (72%), and sensory deficit (65%) with a symptom duration of 10.4 ± 11.6 months. A total of 21 (38.9%) discs were fully calcified on imaging and 15 (27.8%) were partially calcified. A total of 36 (66.7%) were giant TDHs (> 40% canal compromise). The average operative time was 197.2 ± 77.1 minutes with an average blood loss of 238.8 ± 250 ml. Six patients required ICU stays. Hospital length of stay was 4.40 ± 3.4 days. Of patients with follow-up MRI, 38 of 40 (95%) disc levels demonstrated < 20% residual disc. Postoperative Frankel scores (> 3 months) were maintained or improved for all patients, with 28 (65.1%) patients having an increase of 1 grade or more on their Frankel score. Six (14%) patients required repeat surgery, 2 of which were due to reherniation, 2 were from adjacent-level herniation, and 2 others were from wound problems. Patients with calcified TDHs had similar improvement in Frankel grade compared to patients without calcified TDH. Additionally, improvement in intraoperative neuromonitoring was associated with a greater improvement in Frankel grade. The authors demonstrate a minimally disruptive, posterior approach that uses intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration with excellent outcomes and a complication profile similar to or better than other reported case series. This posterior approach is a valuable complement to the spine surgeon's arsenal for the confident tackling of all TDHs.

Comparison of Unipedicular and Bipedicular Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Kummell's Disease.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of unipedicular and bipedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for Kummell’s disease.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to review 40 patients with stage I and II Kummell’s disease who underwent PKP in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2018. Based on the transpedicular approach of PKP, those patients were randomly divided into unipedicular group (n = 19) and bipedicular group (n = 21). Operative time, bone cement injection volume and cement leakage rate were compared in the two groups. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue score (VAS), local kyphotic angle and average vertebral height were also evaluated.Results:All patients underwent surgery successfully. Compared with preoperative condition, VAS was significantly decreased at 1 day after operation and the last follow-up in both groups (P < .05), and local kyphotic angle and average vertebral height were restored markedly (P < .05). Operative time of both groups had no significant difference (P > .05). Bone cement injection volume was larger in bipedicular group (P < .05). At 1 day after operation and the last follow-up, the local kyphotic angle and average vertebral height in bipedicular group were restored better than those in unipedicular group (P < .05). There were 4 cases of cement leakage in both groups, with leakage rates of 21.1% and 19.0%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P > .05).Conclusion:Both unipedicular and bipedicular PKP are effective for treating patients with stage I and II Kummell’s disease, while postoperative pain relief and imaging results in bipedicular group were better than those in unipedicular group.

The role of routine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures in the detection of malignant diseases: a systematic review

IntroductionProcedures like kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty have become an established treatment option for vertebral compression fractures (VCF). The transpedicular approach used during these procedures allows to take biopsies from the affected vertebral body. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the existing knowledge on the value of routine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures.MethodsA systematic review of the literature using PubMed/Medline databases with the goal of finding all articles describing the value trans-pedicular biopsies for detecting primary bone tumors, metastases, bone diseases, or spondylitis in patients with vertebral compression fractures was performed. Search terms were (*biopsy/ OR biops*.ti,ab.) AND (vertebral compression fracture*.ti,ab.).ResultsSixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, among these were six prospective and ten retrospective case series. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2020. A total of 3083 patients with 3667 transpedicular biopsies performed were included. Most biopsies confirmed osteoporosis as the dominant underlying pathology of VCFs. Transpedicular biopsies revealed an unexpected malignant diagnosis in 0.4–6% of the cases.ConclusionRoutine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty detect unexpected malignant lesions in 0.4–6% of the patients, even though the definition of “unexpected” varies among the analyzed studies. The evidence to support a routine biopsy is inconsistent. Nevertheless, routine biopsies can be considered, especially when sufficient preoperatvie imaging is not available or radiological findings are unclear.

444 Partial Transpedicular Thoracic Discectomy With Ultrasonic Aspiration and Ultrasound Guidance for Every Thoracic Disc Herniation: A 43-Patient Case Series and Technical Note Demonstrating Safety and Efficacy

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are a challenging pathology. A variety of surgical techniques have been used to achieve spinal cord decompression. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent a thoracic discectomy through the partial transpedicular approach between January 2014 and 2020 by a single surgeon. Variables reviewed included demographics, peri-operative imaging, and functional outcome scores. RESULTS: 43 patients (53% female) underwent 54 discectomies. The most common presenting symptoms were myelopathy (86%), motor weakness (72%), and sensory deficit (65%) with a symptom duration of 9 ± 8.86 months. 23 (42.5%) of discs were fully calcified on imaging and 18 (33.3%) were partially calcified. 33 (61.1%) were giant TDH (&gt;40% canal compromise). Average operative time was 197 ± 77.1 minutes with an average blood loss of 238 ± 250 cc. 6 patients required ICU stays. Hospital length of stay was 4.37± 3.42 days. Of patients with follow-up MRI, 38 of 40 disc-levels (95%) demonstrated &lt;20% residual disc. Post-operative Frankel scores (&gt;3 months) were maintained or improved for all patients with 28 (65.1%) patients having an increase of 1 or greater on their Frankel score. 6 (14%) patients required repeat surgery, 2 of which were due to re-herniation, 2 were from adjacent level herniation and 2 others from wound problems. Patients with calcified TDHs had similar improvement in Frankel grade compared to patients without calcified TDH. Additionally, improvement in intra-operative neuromonitoring was associated with a greater improvement in Frankel grade. CONCLUSION: Here we demonstrate a minimally invasive, posterior approach that utilizes intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration with great outcomes and a complication profile similar or better than other reported case series. This posterior approach is a great complement to the spine surgeon’s arsenal for the confident tackling of all TDHs.

Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study

Introduction: The study has been designed with all perseverance’s, to observe and evaluate the results of single stage transpedicular decompression and posterior fixation in Dorso Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis. Material and Methods: The present study “Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study” was conducted on clinicopathologically diagnosed cases of spinal tuberculosis of dorsal and lumbar region during a period of two years from “October 2018 to October 2020” in the Department of Orthopaedics, S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. Method of Collection of Data: This is a clinical and prospective study conducted on patients admitted to S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. A total of 25 cases of tuberculosis of spine in thoracic and lumbar region were selected for this procedure after obtaining proper informed and written consent.Patients were admitted based on clinical presentation such as prolonged back pain usually with tender gibbus, with/ without neurologic deficit. Objective of the Study: The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of single stage posterolateral decompression and posterior fixation in spinal tuberculosis. The patients are to be evaluated postoperatively regarding following parameters: – • Postoperative neurological status and its improvement • Degree of pain relief • Radiological fusion of vertebra • Correction of angle of kyphosis Discussion: This piece of work conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, is meant for an analytical study of transpedicular decompression and debridement of spinal cord and fixation of the unstable spine by means of screws &amp; rod system in a single stage posterior approach surgery. In our study we followed Tuli’s Middle Path Regimen in the management. Hence, all clinicoradiological diagnosed TB spine cases were administered ATT drugs under govt. sponsored DOTS Therapy Schedule. The pts who didn’t show signs of improvement, or deteriorating neural deficit, or progressive and gross kyphosis, or patients with severe pain were taken up for surgery and then followed up regularly at 3 months interval for a minimum average follow up period of 1 year. In our study, out of 25, 11 patients recovered completely from neurological deficit and was found to have Frenkel grade E. Another 12 patients had recovered to Frenkel grade D. Hence almost 92 percent of patients had satisfactory neurological recovery. In our study fusion was seen in 64 percent of cases which was significant and comparable with the studies of Gueven et al, Lee et al, and Chacko et al. Pain reduced in all cases. Conclusion: There was neurological recovery in all cases except one, indicating debridement by transpedicular approach is still effective though not radical. Pain was significantly reduced in all cases. Another vital observation was a correction in kyphotic deformity which was significant and also quite stable. There was fusion in more than half of the cases Keywords: Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression, Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis, Potts Paraplegia

CT-Guided Percutaneous Vertebroplasty of the Cervico-Thoracic Junction for the Management of Pathologic Fracture or Symptomatic Lytic Lesion in Cancer Patients.

The purpose of this retrospective observational study is to report author's experience in computed-tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) of the cervicothoracic junction. The records of all consecutive patients treated by PV at levels C7, T1, T2, and T3 in a tertiary cancer center during year 2020 were extracted from the Institutional electronic archive. Following data were collected: demographics, indication for PV, procedure features, outcomes, and complications. Technical success was defined as when the trocar was placed into the vertebral body, allowing the injection of polymethyl-metacrylate (PMMA). Eleven patients were identified who received PV on 14 levels. Mean procedure duration was 57 ± 22min (range [31-142]). A "trans-pedicular approach at the targeted level" was used in 1 vertebra (7%), a "costotransverse approach, at the targeted level" was used in 1 vertebra (7%), a "transpedicular approach via the level below" was used in 3 vertebrae (22%), and a "costotransverse approach via the level below" was used in 9 vertebrae (64%). Meantime to deploy each trocar was 20 ± 5min (range [12-32]). Technical success was achieved in 14/14 (100%) of vertebrae. Mean postoperative hospitalization duration was 1.9 ± 1.7days (range [1-11]). According to CIRSE classification, no adverse event occurred. PMMA leakage occurred in two patients; both remained asymptomatic. This study provides arguments in favor of safety and efficiency of CT-guided vertebroplasty of levels C7, T1, T2, and T3, for both trocar deployment and monitoring of the vertebral body filling during the PMMA injection.

Posterior-only approach for the treatment of symptomatic central thoracic disc herniation regardless of calcification: A consecutive case series of 30 cases over five years

PurposeTo report the safety and efficacy of posterolateral approach for thoracic disc herniation (TDH) via a consecutive clinical case series of 30 central thoracic disc herniations that were all operated through a posterolateral approach. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all patients with symptomatic TDH who underwent surgical intervention from 2016 to 2021. A total of 23 patients comprising 30 central TDH were included in the study. Age, gender, location of the lesion, preoperative and post-operative Frankel and Nurick scores, surgical approach and instrumented vertebrae, and length of stay were recorded. Findings23 patients with an average age of 62 were included in the study. 30 of the 32 symptomatic TDH were centrally located. 8/32 TDH were calcified while 24/32 TDH were non-calcified. Unilateral and bilateral transpedicular approach was used in the treatment of 12/32 and 10/32 disc herniations respectively. A transfacet-pedicle sparing approach was used in 10/32 disc herniations. 19/23 (82.6%) of the patients had improvement in Nurick score while 12/23 (52.2%) patients had improvement in their Frankel scores. The average length of stay was 4.5 days. No major complications were encountered. All patients underwent a short-segment instrumented construct with no need for revision surgery for thoracic disc herniation, worsening myelopathy, or instrumentation failure. Conclusions83% of the patients who underwent a transfacet or transpedicular decompression for the treatment of symptomatic TDH had improvement in their myelopathy with no neurological deterioration in any of the patients. Given the familiarity and low morbidity associated with a transfacet or transpedicular approach, posterolateral-based approaches remains an excellent alternative for surgical management of majority of the patients with thoracic disc herniations

Expandable Intravertebral Implants: A Narrative Review on the Concept, Biomechanics, and Outcomes in Traumatology.

Expandable intravertebral implants are self-expanding devices applied percutaneously by the posterior transpedicular approach. These devices introduce the concept of anatomical restoration of vertebral body endplates and direct anatomical reduction performed from the interior of the vertebral body with a compression fracture. This paper aims to provide a narrative review on the concept, indications, biomechanical characteristics, as well as functional and radiographic outcomes of the main expandable intravertebral implants currently available, in terms of their application to thoracolumbar spine traumatology. To this end, we performed a search in July 2021 on the MEDLINE/PubMed platform with the words “expandable intravertebral implant”, “armed kyphoplasty”, “Vertebral Body Stenting” or “stentoplasty” and “SpineJack”. The search yielded 144 papers, and of those, we included 15 in this review. We concluded that percutaneous transpedicular posterior access, the ability to reduce vertebral body fractures, particularly of the vertebral endplates and to maintain the vertebral body height, makes the application of expandable intravertebral implants an attractive option in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures. However, more prospective, randomized, and large-scale blinded studies are still warranted, especially comparative studies between treatments and about the preferential use of an expansive implant over others, in order to gain definitive insights into the effectiveness and indications of each of these devices.

Treatment of migrated lumbar intervertebral disc herniation by percutaneous spinal endoscopy through bone tunnel

To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) through bone tunnel in the treatment of migrated lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. The clinical data of 42 patients with migrated lumbar intervertebral disc herniation treated through PELD techniques were retrospectively analyzed from October 2015 to December 2018. There were 26 males and 16 females, aged from 39 to 71 years old with a mean of(58.55±7.16) years. There were 7 cases where the affected segment was L3,4, 24 cases of L4,5, and 11 cases of L5S1. According to modified free nucleus pulposus classification, 3 cases of type A1, 6 cases of type A2, 8 cases of type B1, 8 cases of type B2, 6 cases of type C1, and 11 cases of C2. Among these 42 cases, 22 patients were treated with transpedicular approach (transpedicular approach group), 6 cases were type A2, 6 cases were type B2 and 10 cases were type C2, and 20 cases with translaminar approach(translaminar approach group), 3 cases were type A1, 8 cases were type B1, 6 cases were type C1, 2 cases were type B2 and 1 case was type C2. The operation time, intraoperative and postoperative complications of the two groups were recorded, and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess the improvement of the clinical symptoms before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 12 months after surgery, and the modified Macnab evaluation system was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The operative time was from 69 to 105 min with a mean of (88.29±9.85) min;and no intraoperative complications such as neurovascular injury or dural tear were occurredin all patients. One case in the transpedicular approach group was changed to general anesthesia and translaminar approach due to local anesthesia intolerance. All the patients were followed up from 13 to 34 months, with a mean of (13.71±3.56) months. VAS and ODI were significantly improved in two groups immediately after surgery and 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). According to modified Macnab criteria, 27 cases obtained excellent results, 11 good, 3 fair, and 1 poor. There were no postoperative complications such as lumbar fractures and postoperative infections in the follow-up patients. For migrated intervertebral disc herniation, the modified nucleus pulposus classification can be used to estimate the precise target before operation, and the reasonable bone tunnel approach can be selected to obtain good results.

Transpedicular or Transthoracic Approach: An Outcome Comparison Study on Patients with Neurological Manifestation

Background: Approach to lower-thoracic spine for discectomy remains controversial. In this study, we compare primary and secondary outcomes of transpedicular (TP) and transthoracic (TT) approach for discectomy at lower thoracic levels in patients with neurological manifestations. Methods: In this retrospective study, 12 patients with TP or TT approach for lower thoracic discectomy with neurological manifestation, mainly foot drop, were included. During TP approach, cord manipulation was kept at minimum. Posterior fusion was performed in all patients. TT approach was performed by intended level thoracotomy, anterio-lateral fusion was achieved in this group. The postoperative primary and secondary outcomes of the approach were compared in these patients. SPSS software version 20 was used for analysis, and a P-value &lt; 0.005 was considered significant. Results: Twelve patients with neurological manifestation were operated using either of the approaches. Six patients in TP group and four in TT group attained complete neurological recovery after 10.2 and 7.6 weeks, respectively. The mean operative time was 50% more in TT approach. Blood loss in TP approach was less than half, and patients were mobilized earlier with decreased hospital stay. All patients with TT approach needed postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, two of them developed pulmonary complications and postsurgical intercostal neuralgia, and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and readmission within 30 days of discharge. Conclusions: Although TT approach offers excellent exposure for discs in lower thoracic levels, it is associated with increased morbidity and higher complication rates. On the other hand, TP approach offers ample exposure with reduced operative time and blood loss, as well as early mobilization and discharge.

2021 Canadian Spine Society Abstracts.

# Abstract 45. Determining clinically important improvement following surgery for degenerative conditions of the spine: analysis of the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network (CSORN) Registry {#article-title-2} There is significant variability in clinically important improvement (CII)