Treatment Of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures Research Articles

Is Nothing Sacrum? Identification and Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Is Nothing Sacrum? Identification and Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Is Nothing Sacrum? Identification and Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Sacral insufficiency fractures are an overlooked etiology of back pain that can also be difficult to diagnose radiographically. Advanced imaging, including MR and scintigraphy, are useful modalities for diagnosis, as these fractures are frequently missed on plain films. Management is often conservative to avoid surgical fixation, a rarely performed surgery due to its high morbidity. Radiologists are also able to provide symptomatic relief via sacroplasty, a minimally invasive, percutaneous, image-guided procedure first described in 2002. The most common sites of pelvic insufficiency fractures include the sacral ala and parasymphyseal region of the os pubis. The butterfly or “H-shaped” pattern is a classic sign of this fracture on scintigraphy, best appreciated posteriorly. MR is considered the gold standard in diagnosing insufficiency fractures and is characterized by low T1 band-like signal intensity with corresponding high T2/T2 short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal intensity. Such fractures can be treated via sacroplasty by carefully injecting polymethylmethacrylate bone cement via one or more trocar needles. Knowledge of sacral anatomy is critical during the procedure to not violate specific sacral zones or traverse any of the neural foramina.

Sacral H-shaped fractures between traumatic, insufficiency and fatigue fractures : Similarities, differences and controversies

In the basic entirety of stress fractures, insufficiency fractures are defined as fractures caused by prolonged normal or physiological loading of abone with insufficient elastic resistance. This clearly distinguishes it from fatigue fractures, in which excessive loads are continuously applied to abone with normal elastic resistance. According to Pentecost (1964) both entities of stress fracture result from "the inherent inability of the bone to withstand stress applied without violence in a rhythmical, repeated, subthreshold manner". This distinguishes them from acute traumatic fractures. In the clinical routine these differences are not always so clearly presented. The example of the H‑shaped sacral fracture is used to illustrate the relevance of aclear terminology. In this context, current controversies in the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures are discussed.

Is the conservative treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures still up to date? Retrospective clinical observational study in 46 patients

BackgroundAccording to current forecasts, our society will grow older and older, so that the proportion of 6% of the German population from 2017 who were 80 years or older will increase further. The frequency of falls in this patient population lead to a further increase of sacral insufficiency fractures. HypothesisThe aim of this study is to evaluate the multimodal interdisciplinary conservative therapy regime for sacral insufficiency fractures in geriatric patients, especially on the basis of mobility and the need for assistance. Patients and MethodsA cohort of patients, who were treated as inpatients at the Waldkrankenhaus St. Marien in Erlangen with ICD-10 for sacral fractures S32.1 as the main diagnosis, was retrospectively examined. Only newly diagnosed sacral insufficiency fractures were taken into account. Patients were divided into groups based on the factors hospital stay, fracture location on the sacrum, and location of concomitant pelvic ring injury. The Barthel Index, the Tinetti's Mobility Test and the Timed Up&Go Test were recorded. Results46 patients met the inclusion criteria. Using the conservative therapy, improvements were achieved in all patients in terms of need for care, mobility without aids and risk of falling, also patients with an anterior and posterior pelvic ring fracture. Regard a score improvement in the Barthel Index and Tinetti Mobility Test, patients with bilateral sacral insufficiency fracture (n=17, 37.0%) did not differ significantly from patients with unilateral sacral insufficiency fracture (n=22, 47.8%). ConclusionIn geriatric patients, decisions about therapy should always be made on an individual and interdisciplinary basis. The conservative therapy regimen continues to play an important role in this. The collected tests–consisting of Barthel Index, Tinetti Mobility Test and Timed Up&Go Test–are well suited for further reproducible, objective studies with a larger patient collective. Level of evidenceIV.

Sacral Insufficiency Fractures.

Primary osteoporosis is the most common cause of sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs). Therefore, a multidisciplinary team approach is necessary for treatment of the fracture and the underlying biologic pathology, as well as prevention of future fragility fractures. The presentation of SIFs typically includes lower back or buttock pain after a ground-level fall or without an identified trauma. Symptoms often have an insidious onset and are nonspecific; consequently, a delay in diagnosis and treatment is common. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion, particularly in high-risk patients. Postmenopausal women who are >55 years of age are the most common demographic affected by SIFs. Other risk factors include osteoporosis, history of a prior fragility fracture, local irradiation, long-term corticosteroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic bone disorders, vitamin D deficiency, pregnancy, history of prior multilevel spinal fusion, and malignancy. Typical imaging on computed tomography (CT) shows sclerosis of cancellous bone in the sacral ala, with or without a discrete fracture line or displacement. Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than CT and shows hypointense signal on T1-weighted sequences and hyperintensity on T2-weighted or short tau inversion recovery sequences. The treatment of SIFs is dependent on the severity of symptoms, fracture displacement, and instability of the pelvis. Accepted treatments include nonoperative rehabilitation, sacroplasty, iliosacral screw fixation, transsacral bar or screw fixation, transiliac internal fixation, and lumbopelvic fixation.

The "Eiffel Tower" technique: novel long-axis sacroplasty under electromagnetic navigation assistance; feasibility and descriptive study.

To describe a novel long-axis multimodal navigation assisted technique - the so-called Eiffel Tower technique - aimed at integrating recent technological improvements for the routine treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures. The long-axis approach described in the present study aimed at consolidating the sacral bone according to biomechanical considerations. The purpose was (i) to cement vertically the sacral alae all along and within the lateral fracture lines, resembling the pillars of a tower, and (ii) to reinforce cranially with a horizontal S1 landing zone (or dense central bone) resembling the first level of the tower. An electromagnetic navigation system was used in combination with CT and fluoroscopic guidance to overtop extreme angulation challenges. All patients treated between January 2019 and October 2021 in a single tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. A description of the technique is provided. Twelve female patients (median age: 80 years [range: 32 to 94]) were treated for sacral insufficiency fractures with the "Eiffel Tower" technique. The median treatment delay was 8 weeks (range: 3 to 20) and the initial median pain assessed by the visual analogue scale was 7 (range: 6 to 8). Pain was successfully relieved (visual analogue score < 3) for 9 patients (75%) and persisted for 2 patients (17%). One patient was lost during the follow-up. No complication was noted. The "Eiffel Tower" multimodal cementoplasty integrates recent technological developments, in particular electromagnetic navigation, with the purpose of reconstructing the biomechanical chain of the sacral bone. • Sacral insufficiency fractures are common and can be efficiently treated with percutaneous sacroplasty. • The long axis sacroplasty approach can be challenging given both the shape of the sacral bone and the angulation to reach the target lesion. • The "Eiffel Tower" technique is a novel approach using electromagnetic navigation to expand the concept of the long axis route, adding a horizontal S1 landing zone.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous sacroplasty for treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures: a systematic review.

Sacral insufficiency fractures are a common source of back pain in the elderly and are associated with significant morbidity due to poor recognition and delays in diagnosis. Previous treatment modalities have centered primarily on bed rest, oral analgesia, early mobilization and physical therapy. However, in recent years sacroplasty has emerged as a viable treatment option for sacral insufficiency fractures. Earlier recovery with sacroplasty, reduced incidence of deep venous thrombosis, and earlier return to activities of daily living are some of the features that made this treatment modality more appealing than traditional conservative management. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to examine the efficacy of sacroplasty for treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures in the elderly population. Thirty-one articles were included in this study for final analysis. Cement extravasation was the most commonly reported complication; however, it was not found to have clinical significance in the majority of studies that reported this outcome. Two studies reported S1 radicular pain after the procedure while only one study reported a patient with persistent pain requiring reoperation (1/8 incidence, 12.5%). The mean reduction in pain score from pre-procedure to latest follow-up post-procedure [reported as visual analog scale (VAS)] was 5.8+1.3 for those studies that reported this figure. Overall, sacroplasty is a safe and effective procedure associated with low complication rate and consistent pain relief in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures.

Comparison of sacroplasty with or without balloon assistance for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures.

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) can cause severe lower back pain and immobility, which have limited therapeutic options. No previous studies have compared clinical outcomes and radiographic findings of sacroplasty with or without balloon assistance for the treatment of SIFs. Forty-five patients with SIFs were divided into two groups. One group had 18 patients treated using sacroplasty with balloon assistance, and the other had 27 patients treated without balloon assistance. The operation time and cement injection volume were compared between these two groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Odom's criteria. Cement leakage rate was examined by postoperative radiography and computed tomography. Sacroplasty with balloon assistance was associated with significantly longer operative time ( p = 0.003) and larger cement injection volume ( p = 0.038). Cement leakages were found in 4 of 18 patients (22.2%) with balloon assistance and 15 of 27 patients (55.6%) without balloon assistance, which showed significant difference ( p = 0.027). No significant differences were observed between sacroplasty with and without balloon assistance with regard to clinical outcomes including improvement in VAS, ODI, and Odom's criteria. Sacroplasty with balloon assistance was shown to achieve greater cement injection with longer operation time and can decrease the risk of cement leakage. Both sacroplasty with and without balloon assistance showed good-to-excellent clinical outcomes for the treatment of SIFs.

Sacroplasty: A Ten-Year Analysis of Prospective Patients Treated with Percutaneous Sacroplasty: Literature Review and Technical Considerations

Background: The treatment of sacral fractures has evolved since its first description in 1982. Several techniques for sacral augmentation have been developed since 2001, and the rate of improvement is rapid with over 50% reduction in pain achieved prior to post-procedure discharge of the patient. Pain reduction occurs primarily within the first 3 months and is sustained at 12 months; however, the long-term outcomes have not previously been studied. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the long-term efficacy of sacroplasty versus non-surgical management (NSM) in treating sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs), including the effect on pain relief, opioid and other analgesic use, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Additionally, we aim to review the most current sacroplasty literature. Study Design: A 10-year prospective, observational cohort study of patients with SIFs treated with sacral augmentation. Setting: A single-center interventional pain management private practice. Methods: Two-hundred and forty-four patients with SIFs were treated with sacroplasty (210 patients) or NSM (34 patients) beginning in January 2004 and then followed for 10 years. The patients’ gender, age, pre-procedure pain duration, analgesic use, pain level, and satisfaction were recorded at baseline and at post-procedure follow-up intervals of 2, 4, 12, 24, 52 weeks, and 2 years. The experimental group was then contacted at 10 years. Post-procedure complications before discharge and at each follow-up were also evaluated. Results: Both NSM and sacroplasty resulted in statistically significant drops in visual analog scale (VAS) scores from pre-treatment to 2-year follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). When measured from followup to follow-up, the NSM group’s only significant decrease in the mean VAS score was between pre-treatment and 2 weeks (P = 0.002). The experimental group had significant decreases over the periods pre-op through post-op (P &lt; 0.001), post-op through 2 weeks (P &lt; 0.001), 12 weeks through 24 weeks (P = 0.014), and 24 weeks through one year (P = 0.002). The experimental cohort experienced statistically significant drops in the mean VAS scores between follow-ups for a longer period of time. Opioid and non-opioid analgesic use was markedly decreased preoperatively to postoperatively and was sustained at the 10-year follow-up. Limitations: Patients were placed into the control group, NSM, if they did not meet inclusion criteria for sacroplasty. However, the baseline characteristics of the sacroplasty versus NSM group were not statistically different. Additionally, the control group was only followed through 2 years and was not contacted at the 10-year follow-up. Conclusions: Our results and those reported in previous studies establish that sacroplasty allows for decreased use of medications and results in pain relief, greater patient mobility, and improved patient satisfaction. In addition to the published body of literature, our results show strong evidence in support of sacroplasty as a safe and efficacious treatment of SIFs. Key words: Sacroplasty, sacral fracture, fracture, osteoporosis, insufficiency, radiology

Teriparatide as atherapy approach in sacral insufficiency fractures

As aresult of immense heterogeneity with regard to morphology and stability, the recent literature lacks consensus concerning the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures. We report the case of a79-year-old woman with bilateral sacral insufficiency fractures following anterior pelvic ring fractures who was treated with teriparatide. During atwo-week hospital stay, the patient was successfully mobilised and the regularly conducted pelvic X‑ray controls showed full consolidation of the fractures.

Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Non-neoplastic Osteoporotic Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

Background: Osteoporosis is an important problem in those of advanced age. Osteoporosis can induce sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs). As average life expectancy increases, the number of patients with osteoporotic SIFs also increases. Osteoporotic SIFs cause severe low back pain and immobilization. Treatment of SIFs varies from analgesia to surgery. Objectives: To describe our experience and assess the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive percutaneous sacroplasty in patients with osteoporotic SIFs. Study Design: Retrospective evaluation. Setting: The spine and joint specialized hospital’s research center. Methods: We reviewed cases of percutaneous sacroplasty performed since 2009. We used data only from patients with osteoporotic SIFs who were followed for more than 12 months after sacroplasty. Tumor-related SIFs were excluded from our analysis. The following clinical parameters were investigated: initial diagnosis, symptoms, visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, functional mobility scale (FDC) score, past history of illness, amount of bone cement infused, and complications related to sacroplasty. Also, the following radiological parameters were analyzed: the pattern of SIFs, T-score cement leakage, and concomitant fractures in other sites. Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in our study (4 men and 64 women). The mean age of the patients was 76.8 ± 6.2 years. All patients had severe osteoporosis (mean T score: -3.9 ± 0.5). Percutaneous sacroplasty was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. No major complications or procedure-related morbidity occurred. FDS and VAS scores significantly improved after sacroplasty, and the improvements lasted through the final follow-up period (P &lt; 0.05). Limitations: This study is a retrospective analysis without a control group. Conclusion: Percutaneous sacroplasty is an effective minimally invasive treatment for osteoporotic SIFs refractory to conservative management. The study patients experienced significant relief of pain and increased mobility. Key words: Sacrum, sacroplasty, insufficiency fractures, osteoporosis, minimally invasive surgery

Diagnosis and management of sacral insufficiency fractures

Sacral insufficiency fractures are pathologic fractures that occur in patients with abnormal bone quality. These injuries occur after low-energy trauma or repetitive physiologic loads. Historically, treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures was nonoperative with modified weightbearing and analgesia. Increased awareness to the potential morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries has led to multiple proposed interventions. Percutanous sacroplasty and screw fixation are the two most frequently performed procedures for sacral insufficiency fractures and involve placement of cement or screws, respectively, within the sacrum to stabilize these lesions. Although there is published literature to support both treatments, a validated classification system to describe sacral insufficiency fractures and comparative clinical data do not exist. The optimal treatment for sacral insufficiency fractures is dependent on the location, size, and chronicity of the lesion; consideration should also be given to the entire pelvic ring and contribution of the sacral insufficiency fracture to the stability of the bony pelvis.

Implant augmentation in pelvic surgery. Options and technique

Osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis are an increasing problem in trauma surgery. Sufficient implant anchorage is reduced due to the poor bone stock; however, early mobilization is especially necessary for geriatric patients in order to prevent additional complications. Implant augmentation may be one technique to increase implant anchorage and stability in osteoporotic bone. This procedure is currently used in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the dorsal pelvic ring. Beside the augmentation of iliosacral screws in the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures, cement augmentation with lumbar or sacral pedicle screws is used for increased stability. Implant augmentation in pelvic surgery should be indicated crucially due to the specific risks of the procedure. Cement leakage and heat generation during cement curing (when PMMA--polymethylmetacrylate--cement is used) can compromise neurovascular structures. Potential complications like cement embolism are possible. The use of special implants (cannulated and perforated screws) as well as intraoperative navigation and 3D imaging increase patient safety and help to make implant augmentation a low risk procedure.

A Novel Approach for Horizontal Sacral Insufficiency Fractures. Long Axis Kyphoplasty through Sacral Hiatus

Introduction Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF) may cause significant low back pain, limit daily living, and tend to be undetected. Effective pain management and early mobilization are mandatory to prevent complications. Percutaneous sacroplasty for treatment of SIF has gained interest recently. This technique provides safe, rapid, and prolonged pain relief, early mobilization, and functional recovery. Sacral kyphoplasty is percutaneous placement of bone cement into the sacral vertebra using inflatable tamps. Both sacroplasty and sacral kyphoplasty are used for vertical component of the SIF. Highly trabecular pattern of sacral bone and proximity of sacral foramina and sacral canal limit the use of these techniques to sacral ala. We have described a new technique for injection of PMMA into proximal sacral vertebra. Patient and Methods: A 50-year-old patient with SIF at S1–S2 level was selected for this procedure. The patient was placed prone on the operation table. She was sedated using IV midazolam and fentanyl. The fluoroscopy was positioned so that sacral foramina could be clearly visualized on AP and lateral views. A stab incision was made following local anesthesia at the level of sacral hiatus. Bone access needle was introduced into the sacral hiatus above the superior margin of the coccyx under fluoroscopic guidance, similar to epiduroscopy. Epidural space was traversed and the corpus of distal sacral vertebra was reached. Entry point was checked in AP and lateral views. Needle tip was advanced proximal to the fracture line, into the S1. Once the ideal position of the needle was confirmed, guide pin and a working cannula were inserted. Balloon tamp was inserted and was inflated with 1.5 mL contrast dye to no more than 250 psi. Fluoroscopic control was performed to make sure that the inflated balloon did not breach cortices. Bone tamps were deflated and removed. The void was filled with radio opaque bone cement proximal to distal as cannula was slowly pulled back. Migration and extravasation of the cement was checked with fluoroscopy. Results The surgical procedure was completed in 25 minutes. Total fluoroscopy time was 10 minutes. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. While in the PACU, the patient declared that her pain had alleviated by half. She could mobilize freely in her room 2 hours after the intervention. No cement extravasation occurred. 24 hours following the surgery, she was completely pain free and was discharged from the hospital. On her last follow-up, she was completely asymptomatic, ambulatory, and could perform her daily activities by herself. Conclusion Sacroplasty and sacral kyphoplasty are generally used for Denis Zone 1 fractures. Proximity of the sacral foramina and sacral canal cause clinicians to avoid cement injection into sacral vertebral bodies. This procedure is very rarely performed. Use of pedicles to reach vertebral corpus restricts surgeon's ability to position cannula and pedicle fracture is another risk. With our long axis technique, bone cement can be injected into the sacral body in a longitudinal fashion with multiple sacral levels being augmented in a single entry.

Clinical Impact of Sacroplasty on Patient Mobility

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of sacroplasty on patient mobility and pain when performed as a treatment for sacral insufficiency fractures. Materials and MethodsImaging with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, or bone scan confirmed the diagnosis of sacral insufficiency fractures. Baseline clinical mobility scale (CMS) score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were recorded. Sacroplasty was performed under CT guidance. Follow-up CMS and VAS scores were assessed at 4, 24, and 48 weeks. ResultsEighteen elderly patients (age 80 y ± 8.5; 17 women) were treated. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to assess changes in CMS and VAS scores over time. Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant increase in average CMS score between baseline and all three follow-up points—4 weeks (P < .001), 24 weeks (P < .001), and 48 weeks (P < .001)—indicating improvement in mobility over time. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in mean VAS scores between baseline and all three follow-up time points—4 weeks (P < .001), 24 weeks (P < .001), and 48 weeks (P < .001)—indicating improvement in overall pain level over time. ConclusionsTreatment with CT-guided sacroplasty for sacral insufficiency fractures in this elderly population resulted in significant improvement in patient mobility.

Outcome of long-axis percutaneous sacroplasty for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures with a radiofrequency-induced, high-viscosity bone cement

Our goal was to assess the technical results in patients who underwent long-axis sacroplasty for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF) by radiofrequency-induced high-viscosity bone cement augmentation. Twelve patients with bilateral sacral fractures were treated by augmentation with radiofrequency-activated, high-viscosity polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement under local anesthesia. CT-guided sacroplasty was performed by using a long-axis approach through a single entry point. Thirty-six vertebrae were treated in 12 sessions under a combination of CT and fluoroscopic guidance using a bilateral access and a cavity-creating osteotome prior to remote-controlled, hydraulically driven cement injection. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score before sacroplasty and at 1 and 3 months after the treatment was obtained. PMMA leaks were evaluated retrospectively using the post-interventional CT. The mean amount of high-viscosity PMMA injected per patient was 7.8 ml. No major adverse events were observed. In the first 4 days after the procedure, the mean VAS score decreased from 8.1 ± 1.9 to mean 3.1 ± 1.2 and was followed by a gradual but continuous decrease throughout the rest of the follow-up period at 24 weeks (mean 2.2 ± 1.1) and 48 weeks (mean 2.1 ± 1.4). CT fluoroscopy-guided sacral augmentation was safe and effective in all 12 patients with osteoporotic SIF.

Treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures

Treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures

Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw Fixation with Cement Augmentation in Sacral Insufficient Fracture - A Case Report -

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are no longer a rare type of fracture in the elderly. To date, SIFs have typically been treated conservatively. Sacroplasty has recently been used in treatment of SIFs, with a good result. In order to solve the problems of sacroplasty, the authors performed a new surgical technique, percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation with cement augmentation, for SIFs. Secure fixation of the screw in osteoporotic bone was achieved and biological bone union was obtained. We present this case with a review of the literature.

Cement augmentation of the navigated iliosacral screw in the treatment of insufficiency fractures of the sacrum. A new method using modified implants

Pelvis ring fractures of geriatric patients are currently a serious problem in orthopedic and trauma surgery. One controversy that remains is the insufficiency fracture of the sacrum with treatment options ranging from conservative to operative. We modified standard 7.3-mm screws with additional perforations at the tip to allow cement injection trough the screw to improve implant anchorage. We describe a new method of treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures. We use modified cannulated 7.3-mm screws (Synthes) with additional perforations at the screw tip. This allows the implant augmentation after proper implant positioning and contrast medium instillation for leakage detection. All patients (12 female) treated this way, are allowed to weight bear as tolerated immediately after surgery. The pain level (measured by the visual analog scale--VAS) was significantly reduced due to surgery (mean 8.2 pre-operatively, mean 2.6 postoperatively), the pain medication could be reduced rapidly. The described procedure for the treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures has the potential to increase the safety of cement injection into the sacrum because of the possibility of contrast agent instillation prior to cement injection. Furthermore, the amount of cement can be reduced and additional stability can be attained due to iliosacral screw osteosynthesis compared to sacroplasty.

Imaging and Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures

SIFs are a common, though often unsuspected, cause of low back pain in the elderly. Although numerous radiographic modalities can be used to diagnose SIFs, bone scintigraphy and MR imaging are the most sensitive. Conservative management involves various combinations of bed rest, rehabilitation, and analgesics. More recently, sacroplasty has emerged as an alternative therapy for the treatment of SIFs, with prospective studies and case reports suggesting that it is a safe and effective therapy. This article reviews the imaging appearance of SIFs and discusses treatment options with a focus on sacroplasty.