Objective
To explore the short-term therapeutic effect of mini-incision common vertebral pedicle screw internal fixation on thoracoclumbar fractures without neurological injury.
Methods
The data of 61 patients with thoracolumbar fractures without neurological injury treated with mini-incision common vertebral pedicle screw internal fixation (the mini-incision group, n=32) or percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (the percutaneous group, n=29) from February 2014 to January 2016 was retrospectively collected and analyzed. Total incision length, operation time, blood loss, fluoroscopy times, postoperative bed rest time, hospitalization costs, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), vertebral Cobb angle of correction, and accuracy rate of screw placement were compared between the two groups.
Results
All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months with a mean of 13.4 months. There were no complications such as incision infection and neurovascular injury except for 2 screws breakage in one patient in the percutaneous group. In the mini-incision group, the average total incision length was longer than that in the percutaneous group [(7.33±0.53) vs. (6.38±0.44) cm], while the average operation time was shorter than that in the percutaneous group [(62.66±4.75) vs. (72.93±5.09) minutes]; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). In the mini-incision group, the average frequency of fluoroscopy was fewer [(5.63±0.61)vs. (19.07±1.60) times] and the average hospitalization costs was lower [(23.3±1.5) thousand yuan vs. (39.5±1.6) thousand yuan] than those in the than that in the percutaneous group; the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). No significant difference was found in blood loss, postoperative bed rest time, VAS score, ODI, vertebral Cobb angle of correction, and accuracy rate of screw placement between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions
Mini-incision common vertebral pedicle screw internal fixation for thoracoclumbar fractures without neurological injury has the advantages of short operation time, less fluoroscopy times, low hospitalization costs and high fixation strength. It may obtain a good short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and preliminary effectiveness of transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 21 elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis were retrospectively analyzed between March 2016 and November 2017. There were 1 male and 20 females, aged 55-75 years, with an average of 64.8 years. The disease duration was 8-24 months, with an average of 13.1 months. The bone density T value ranged from ?3.4 to ?2.1, with an average of ?2.3. Lesion segments: T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 6 cases, L1 in 8 cases, L2 in 1 case, T11, 12 in 1 case, T12, L1 in 2 cases, and T12, L2 in 1 case. Preoperative neurological function was classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA): 5 cases of grade D and 16 cases of grade E. All patients underwent transintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing. The effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The neurological function was assessed by ASIA at last follow-up. Local kyphosis Cobb angle (LKCA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and sagittal vertebral axis (SVA) were measured on the X-ray films of the full-length lateral spine of the patient before operation, at 1 week after operation, and at last follow-up.ResultsNo complication such as fracture of internal fixator or nerve injury occurred. LKCA, TK, and SVA were significantly improved at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in LL before and after operation (F=3.013, P=0.057). The VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, and further improved at last follow-up when compared with the scores at 3 months after operation, showing significant differences between time points (P<0.05). Five patients with ASIA grade D neurological function recovered to grade E at 6 months after operation.ConclusionTransintervertebral release, bone impaction grafting, and posterior column compressed-closing for treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture combined with moderate to severe spinal kyphosis has definite effectiveness, strong orthopaedic ability, and minimal trauma, which can effectively restore the sagittal balance of the spine, alleviate pain, and improve the patients’ quality of life.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of bilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) of lumbar.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 93 patients with OVCF of lumbar who met the selection criteria between January 2018 and June 2019. According to the different surgical methods, they were divided into group A (44 cases, treated with bilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach) and group B [49 cases, treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) via bilateral transpedicle approach]. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, T value of bone mineral density, injury cause, fractured level, time from injury to operation, comorbidities, and preoperative Cobb angle of injured vertebra, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, bone cement injection amount, and incidence of bone cement leakage were recorded and compared between the two groups; Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI were measured before operation, at 2 days and 1 year after operation. The contralateral distribution ratio of bone cement was calculated according to the anteroposterior X-ray film at 2 days after operation.ResultsThe operation time and the intraoperative fluoroscopy times in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no bone cement adverse reactions, cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events, and no complications such as puncture needles erroneously inserted into the spinal canal and nerve injuries occurred in the two groups. Bone cement leakage occurred in 6 cases and 8 cases in groups A and B, respectively, all of which were asymptomatic paravertebral or intervertebral leakage, and no intraspinal leakage occurred; the bone cement injection amount and incidence of bone cement leakage between the two groups showed no significant differences (P>0.05). The contralateral distribution ratio of bone cement in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (t=2.685, P=0.009). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.3 months. The Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI in the two groups were significantly improved at 2 days after operation, however, the Cobb angle of the injured vertebra at 1 year after operation was significantly lost when compared with the 2 days after operation, the VAS score and ODI at 1 year after operation were significantly further improved when compared with the 2 days after operation, the differences were all significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae, VAS score, and ODI between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05).ConclusionBilateral percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral transverse process-extrapedicular approach is comparable to bilateral PKP in short-term effectiveness with regard to fracture reduction, reduction maintenance, pain relief, and functional improvement. It has great advantages in reducing operation time and radiation exposure, although it is inferior in bone cement distribution.
Objective To investigate the latest research and the therapeutic development in the injuries to the spine and spinal cord. Methods Literature concerned was reviewed, combined with our own research and clinical experience, to summarize the trend of the researches and their clinical application in the treatment of the injured spine and spinal cord.Results Theposterior approach atlantoaxial stabilization technique changed the conventional wiring technique into the transarticular screw fixation to the plate and pedicle or the lateral mass screw fixation technique. Theclinical application of the transoralpharyngeal atlantoaxial reduction plate fixation technique showed a good effect on the reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation. However, there were no unified criteria for selection of the surgical approach, fixation level, and fusion mode in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinalfractures. Under optimal conditions, both the anterior and the posterior approaches could achieve good clinical effects on decompression and spinal reconstruction. The single level fixation technique showed some advantages in treating certaintypes of thoracolumbar spinal fractures when compared with the traditional cross-sectional fixation. The endoscopy-assistant and image-guiding spinal intervention techniques were evolved in China during these years. In the treatment of the obstinate painful osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture, percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty achieved good results in the pain relief and spinal reconstruction. Numerous basic and clinical researches have given us a further understanding of the medical protection of acute spinal cord injury, and biological treatments have given us new ideas on neural reparation and regeneration. Cell transplantation and gene therapy have become the most promising treatment strategies in this field.Conclusion With the rapid development of spine surgery, the repair and reconstruction ofthe injured spine and spinal cord made a great stride in the recent years.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results of throacolumbar fractures treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach and conventional posterior approach.
MethodsSeventy-six cases of single segmental thoracolumbar fractures (Type A) were treated by posterior reduction and pedicle screw instrumentation from January 2011 to January 2013. Thirty-five cases were treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach (group A), including 27 males and 8 females with an average age of 39.7 years. Forty-one cases were treated through conventional posterior approach (group B), including 30 males and 11 females with an average age of 41.6 years. The data including incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative volume of drainage, the anterior vertebral height, Cobb angle and complications were compared between the two groups.
ResultsAll operations were finished successfully. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative volume of drainage were (8.3±1.9) cm, (74.0±21.9) min, (125.0 ±46.7) mL, and (51.0±42.6) mL respectively in group A, and (10.7±2.8) cm, (97.0±18.2) min, (245.0±56.1) mL, and (190.0±72.3) mL in group B respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The restoration of anterior vertebral height and the correction of Cobb angle were well maintained in both groups. The difference was statistically significant before and after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups (P>0.05).
ConclusionCompared with conventional posterior approach, Wiltse paraspinal approach has the advantage of shorter operation time, less trauma and blood loss. It is a better option for the treatment of throacolumbar fractures.
Objective To study the clinical effects of the artificial vertebral body of the biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (nHA/PA66) compositefor the structural reconstruction and the height restoring of the vertebral body in the thoracolumbar fractures by the anterior surgical procedures. Methods From December 2003 to January 2006, 42 patients with thoracolumbar fractures received the anterior surgical procedures to decompress and reconstruct the spinal vertebral structure with the artificial vertebral body of the nHA/PA66 composite. Among the patients, there were 28 males and 14 females, aged 1767 years, averaged 43.6 years. The thoracolumbar fractures developed at T12 in 5 patients, at L1 in 17, at L2 in 14, and at L3 in 6. The height of the anterior border of thevertebral body amounted to 29%-47% of the vertebral body height, averaged 40.6%.The Cobb angle on the sagittal plane was 2138° averaged 27.6°. According tothe Frankel grading scale, the injuries to the nerves were as the following: Grade A in 7 patients, Grade B in 19, Grade C in 8, Grade D in 6, and Grade E in 2. Results All the 42 patients were followed up for 625 months. Among the patients, 36 were reconstructed almost based on the normal anatomic structure, and 6 were well reconstructed. The mean height of the anterior border of the vertebralbody was 40.6% of the vertebral body height before operation but 91.7% after operation. And the reconstructed height of the vertebra was maintained. The mean Cobb angle on the sagittal plane was 27.6°before operation but 13.4° after operation. All the patients had a recovery of the neurological function that had a 1grade or 2grade improvement except 7 patients who were still in Grade A and 2 patients who were in Grade D. The implant was fused 35 months after operation. No infection, nail break, bar/plate break or loosening of the internal fixation occurred. Conclusion The artificial vertebral body of the biomimetic nHA/PA66 composite can effectively restore the height and the structure of the vertebra, can be fused with the vertebral body to reconstruct the spinal structural stability effectively, and can be extensively used in the clinical practice.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of kyphoplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral fracture according to comparative study. Methods Between March 2006 and August 2007, 60 patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures were treated. Kyphoplasty was performed in 40 patients (test group) and conservative treatment was performed in 20patients as control (control group). In test group, there were 6 males and 34 females with an average age of 68.7 years (range, 56-78 years). The disease duration was 10-18 months (mean, 12 months). A total of 73 vertebral bodies fractured. In control group, there were 5 males and 15 females with an average age of 70.1 years (range, 57-80 years). The disease duration was 9-16 months (mean, 13 months). A total of 41 vertebral bodies fractured. There was no significant difference in the general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All incisions healed by first intention in test group, and no leakage of bone cement occurred. The patients of 2 groups were followed up 36-38 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS) questionnaire scores, anterior and middle vertebral column heights, and Cobb angles of test group at 1-3 days, 12 and 36 months after treatment were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.05); but there was no significant difference between before treatment and after treatment in control group (P gt; 0.05). After 12 and 36 months, the VAS scores, EVOS scores, anterior and middle vertebral column heights, and Cobb angles of test group were better than those of control group (P lt; 0.05). The incidence of vertebral re-fractures was higher in control group than in test group after 36 months (χ2=16.347, P=0.015). Conclusion Kyphoplasty can effectively rel ieve pain and restore the function after the procedure. The risk of vertebral re-fractures after kyphoplasty can be reduced in comparison with conservative treatment.
Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lateral fusion (PLF) in treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation. Methods From January 2005 to July 2007, 35 patients (22 males, 13 females, aged 17-53 years old) with thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation (T11-L3) received posterior open reduction and pedicle nail-stick system internal fixation. Among which, 14 patients underwent TLIF(group TLIF), and the rest 21 patients underwent PLF (group PLF). According to AO classification, group TLIF had 3 cases of A3, 7 cases of B and 4 cases of C, while group PLF had 4 cases of A3, 10 cases of B and 7 cases of C. Based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scoring Standard formulated in 2000, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was (50.6 ± 3.6) and (50.8 ± 4.2) points, respectively; and the sensory score was (170.5 ± 42.7) and (153.8 ± 23.7) points, respectively. No significant difference was noted between 2 groups in general information (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time of group TLIF and group PLF was (316 ± 32) minutes and (254 ± 27) minutes, and the blood loss of group TLIF and group PLF was (487 ± 184) mL and (373 ± 72) mL, indicating there were significant differences between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Wounds of all patients were healed by first intention and there was no death, aggravation of neurological function impairment and compl ication of internal fixation instrument loosening and breaking. All 35 cases were followed up for 9-23 months with an average of 14.6 months. Postoperatively, the thoracolumbar bone fusion rate of group TLIF and group PLF was 100% and 85.7%, respectively, indicating there was a significant difference (P lt; 0.05). At 3 months after operation, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was increased by (10.4 ± 10.0) and (9.4 ± 9.3) points, respectively; and the sensory score was upgraded by (26.5 ± 22.8) and (28.8 ± 28.4) points, respectively, showing there were no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). At immediate moment, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, the spine height restoration of group TLIF was (5.4 ± 2.1), (5.4 ± 1.9), (5.4 ± 1.4) and (5.3 ± 1.3) mm, respectively; while it was (5.3 ± 2.6), (5.3 ± 2.2), (4.8 ± 3.1) and (4.2 ± 3.6) mm for group PLF. Meanwhile, the Cobbangle recovery of group TLIF was (14.5 ± 3.5), (14.5 ± 3.6), (14.4 ± 3.4) and (14.4 ± 3.6)o, respectively; while it was (14.3 ± 2.7), (14.2 ± 3.1), (12.2 ± 2.8) and (11.7 ± 3.3)o for group PLF. Concerning the spine height restoration and the Cobb angle recovery, no significant difference was observed between 2 groups at immediate moment and 3 months after operation (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were noted at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion For the treatment othoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation, TLIF is superior to PLF in bony fusion and restoration of spine column height.
Objective To analyze the current status and temporal trends of the disease burden of spinal fractures in China from 1990 to 2021 based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), aiming to provide evidence for developing prevention and treatment strategies. Methods Epidemiological data on spinal fractures in China, the United States of America (USA), and globally were extracted from the GBD 2021 database. Joinpoint regression models were applied to analyze temporal trends. Age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates were calculated, with comparisons of gender- and age-group disparities. Results In 2021, the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs of spinal fractures in China increased by 52.28%, 113.68%, and 106.98%, respectively, compared to 1990. The age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and DALYs rates rose by 11.80%, 16.11%, and 14.79%, respectively. The disease burden escalated significantly with age, peaking in individuals aged ≥75 years. Males exhibited higher age-standardized incidence and DALYs rates than females. Comparative analysis revealed that the age-standardized DALYs rate in China (4.19/100 000) was lower than that in globally (6.62/100 000) and USA (15.92/100 000). However, China showed an upward trend [annual average percentage change (AAPC)=0.19%], contrasting with a declining trend in the USA (AAPC=–0.08%). ConclusionThe escalating disease burden of spinal fractures in China is closely linked to population aging, gender disparities, and insufficient targeted prevention policies. Future strategies should integrate age- and gender-specific interventions, including strengthened osteoporosis prevention, trauma risk control, and big data-driven precision measures, to mitigate this burden.
