PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. The anterior approach to the thoracic and lumbar spine is used with increasing frequency for various indications. With the advent of prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement, its use has become even more frequent and has often been associated with serious complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular complications in patients who underwent anterior spinal surgery of the thoracic and lumbar spine. MATERIAL. We performed a total of 531 operations of the thoracolumbar spine from the anterior approach. In 12 cases, after exposure of the body of the first or second thoracic vertebrae, we employed the Smith-Robinson technique to expose the cervical spine. We used sternotomy in six, posterolateral thoracotomy in 209, pararectal retroperitoneal approach in 239, anterolateral lumbotomy in 58 and the transperitoneal approach in seven patients. The aim of surgery was somatectomy in 190 patients and discectomy in 341 patients. Sternotomy and transperitoneal approaches were carried out by a thoracic or vascular surgeon and all the other procedures were done by the first author. The indications for spinal surgery included an accident in 171, tumour in 56, spondylodiscitis in 43 and a degenerative disease in 261 patients. METHODS. The Smith-Robinson approach was used for exposure of T1 or T2. Sternotomy was indicated for treatment of T2–T4 and also T1 in the patients with a short, thick neck. Access to T3–L1 was gained by posterolateral thoracotomy, in most cases performed as a minimally invasive transpleural procedure. For access to the lumbar spine we usually used the retroperitoneal approach from a pararectal incision or lumbotomy. We preferred the pararectal retroperitoneal approach in L2–S1 degenerative disease, L5 fractures, and L5–S1 spondylodiscitis. We carried out lumbotomy in patients with trauma, tumors and L1–L4 spondylodiscitis. The transperitoneal approach from lower middle laparotomy was used only in tumors at L5 or L4. The patients were followed up for 2 to 96 months (average, 31.4 months) after anterior spinal surgery. RESULTS. In 12 patients treated by the Smith-Robinson procedure and in six patients undergoing sternotomy, neither early nor late signs of any injury to major blood vessels or internal organs were recorded. The 209 patients with posterolateral thoracotomy were also free from any signs of vascular injury, but trauma to the thoracic duet was recorded in one case. We found injury to major blood vessels in three patients in the group treated by the pararectal retroperitoneal procedure. In the total of 531 anterior spinal surgery procedures this accounts for 0.56 %; of the 304 lumbar operations and 239 pararectal retroperitoneal operations it is 0.99 % and 1.26 %, respectively. In one patient the vascular injury was associated with trauma to the ureter. CONCLUSIONS. The technique of anterior approach is safe only in the hands of experienced spinal surgeons with long experience. In institutions where anterior spinal surgery is not a routine method it is advisable to involve a vascular or cardiac surgeon. However, the most important point is to know when not to operate

Introduction. An important number of factors affecting the outcome of surgical treatment have been identified, and these factors can affect the patient's selection for lumbar surgery. Study Design. Retrospective study with data collected prospectively on patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar pathology (DLP). Purpose. Identification and evaluation of epidemiological factors that influence the quality of life improvement, disability and chronic pain. Outcome measures. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to assess pain in lower back and extremities, Short Form-36v2 (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI). Method. 263 patients were included in our study, with a mean age of 54.0 years (22–86 years). 131 patients were women (49.8%). Questionnaires were completed in the preoperative visit and 2 years after surgery. Epidemiological data collected were age, sex, educational level, employment status, diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidity measure by ASA. The most frequent diagnostics were degenerative discal disease (36,5%) and lumbar stenosis (30,4%) and a main surgical treatment was TLIF (31,9 %). To compare means we used t-Student and Pearson's coefficient or Spearman's test was used to assess the correlation, and, finally, linear regression study (ANOVA) was performed with variables that showed statistically significant correlation. SPSS 15.0 statistical package. Results. Sex and employment status was correlated with the improvement of COMI (r=− 0.257, p <0.05, r=0.272, p <0.05). Employment status was correlated with in ODI (r=0.249, p <0.05) and the degree of improvement physical component of SF-36 (PCS, r=− 0.254, p <0.05). Linear regression showed statistically significant influence of the age (r=0.334, p <0.05) and employment status (r=14.146, p <0.01) on ODI. COMI is statistically influenced by sex (r=− 0.869, p <0.01), age (r=0.027, p <0.05) and employment status (r=0.830, p <0.05). PCS is statistically influenced by the employment status (r=− 8.568, p <0.01), age (r=− 0.228, p <0.05) and sex (r=5.525, p <0.05). Conclusions. According to the present study we observed that the perception of change in the quality of life and disability after surgery of the lumbar spine is independent of the initial pathology, the type of surgery and previous pain and disability; but sex, age and employment status have an important influence

Introduction. Degenerative disc disease results from mechanical alteration of the intervertebral disc. Biochemical modifications of the nucleus matrix are also incriminated. Furthermore, genetic predispositions as well as vascular factors have been advocated in the process of disc degeneration. A relationship between sciatica and Propionibacterium acnes has been described. However, it remains unclear if the hypothesis of a subclinical spondylodiscitis might play a role in the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the possible presence of bacteria in lumbar discs of patients with degenerative disc disease. Methods. We prospectively analyzed the presence of bacteria in 83 patients (34 males and 49 females, average age 41 years) treated by lumbar disc replacement at L3-L4, L4-L5 or L5-S1. An intraoperative biopsy and microbiological culture were performed for each disc to determine if intradiscal bacteria were present. Great care was taken to avoid any source of contamination during the conditioning process of the biopsy. Microbiological results were compared to the magnetic resonance stages of disc degeneration according to the Pfirrmann and Modic classifications. Possible sources of previous iatrogenic disc contamination after discography or nucleotomy were analyzed. Results. The magnetic resonance stages were Pfirrmann IV or V, with Modic I signs in 32 and Modic II in 25 cases. A preoperative discography was performed in 49 patients, and 24 had previous nucleotomy. Germs were found in 40 discs, 43 cultures were steriles. The following bacteria were evidenced: Propionibacterium acnes 18, Staphylococcus coagulase negative 16, Staphylococcus aureus 3, Gram negative bacilli 3, Micrococcus 3, Corynebacterium 3, others 5. Ten biopsies presented several different germs. Bacteria were predominantly found in males (p=0.012). The mostly positive level was L4-L5 (p=0.075). Histological examination of 31 discs found inflammatory cells in 33 % of the biopsies with positive bacterial culture, versus 5 % of the sterile biopsies (p=0.038). There was no significant relationship between bacterial evidence and Modic sign. A preoperative discography or previous nucleotomies did not represent significant contamination sources. None of the patients presented clinical signs of infection. Conclusions. The finding of bacteria in 48 % of disc biopsies, presence of inflammatory cells at histological examination, the absence of responsibility of the discography as a factor of contamination, and the absence of clinical post-operative infection, defend the hypothesis of a low-grade spondylodiscitis which might play a role in the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease. On the other hand, the presence of skin commensal bacteria, of ¼ of polymicrobial biopsies, and the fact that previous nucleotomy doesn't seem to be involved in inoculation, cannot allow to eliminate a contamination of the samples. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the responsability of intradiscal bacteria in degenerative disc disease. This could influence our treatment strategy of back pain, which could be based in the future on antibiotics

Introduction. Chronic pain is one of the adverse outcomes in surgery for degenerative lumbar pathology (DLP). Postoperative complications as DVT, and chronic pain in pathologies as thoracotomy or breast cancer have been associated with poor control of postoperative pain. Study design. Prospective study of patients undergoing surgery for DLP. Purpose. To evaluate the relationship of postoperative pain with final outcomes in terms of chronic pain and quality of life. Outcome measures. Visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess lumbar and leg pain, Short Form-36v2 (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI). Method. 263 patients with a mean age of 54.0 years (22–86 y) were reviewed and 131 patients were women (49.8%). Pain, quality of life and disability of patients were assessed in the immediate preoperative and 2 years after surgery. Epidemiological data collected were age, sex, educational level, employment status, diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidity (ASA). An external nurse evaluated postoperative pain four times every day and we selected the worst value of day. The reference value of postoperative pain was the VAS of third day when patient starts standing and PCA is removed. To compare means we used t-Student and Pearson's coefficient or Spearman's test was used to assess the correlation, and, finally, linear regression study (ANOVA) was performed with variables that showed statistically significant correlation. SPSS 15.0 statistical package. Results. The mean value of VAS on 3rd day (VAS-3) was 2.86 ± 2.2. Postoperative pain showed a moderately positive correlation with final pain, measured by Bodily Pain (r=0.310, p <0.05) and final VAS (r=0.318, p <0.001), and moderately negative with the Physical Component Scale of the SF36 (r=−0.269, p <0.05). No significant correlations existed with the other instruments. Preoperative pain, sex and MSC-SF36 was correlated with postoperative pain (r=0.262 p <0.05; r=− 0.261 p <0.003, r=− 0.306 p <0.001). According to linear regression studies each point in the VAS-3 will be an increase of 0.522 points in the final VAS (p <0.01). Conclusions. Postoperative pain has moderate but statistically significant influence in the final lumbar pain perception, assessed by VAS and Bodily Pain. Postoperative pain has an inverse relationship to the physical component of SF-36. However, postoperative pain is not correlated with disability measured by ODI or COMI

Background Context. Different minimally invasive approaches to the lumbar spine have been proposed but they can be associated with increased risk of complications, steep learning curve and longer operative time. Purpose. To report the complications associated with a minimally invasive technique of retroperitoneal anterolateral approach to the lumbar spine. Study design. Retrospective study of 179 patients who underwent anterior oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Methods. A total of 179 patients with previous posterior instrumented fusion undergoing OLIF were included. This muscle-splitting approach consists in anterolateral exposure through a 4 cm incision followed by placement of a PEEK cage filled with bone graft and/or substitute. Results. Patients were aged 54.110.6 years with BMI of 24.84.1 kg/m2. Length of follow-up was (0.90.7 years), including 17 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A left-sided approach was done in 174 patients. The procedure was performed at L1–2 in 4, L2–3 in 54, L3–4 in 120, L4–5 in 134 and L5-S1 in 6 patients. It was done at 1 level in 56, 2 levels in 107, and 3 levels in 16 patients. Operative time and blood loss were respectively 32.513.2 min and 57131 cc per level fused. There were 19 patients with single complication and one with two complications, including two patients with postoperative radiculopathy after L3–5 OLIF. There was no abdominal weakness or herniation. Conclusion. Minimally invasive OLIF can be performed easily and safely from L2 to L5, and at L1–2 and L5-S1 for selected cases. Up to 3 levels can be addressed through a “sliding window”. It is associated with minimal blood loss and short operative time. The risk of complications is similar to that reported for traditional anterior approaches, with the advantage of decreasing the risk of abdominal wall weakness or herniation

Introduction. The implantation of DIAM in interspinous space is believed to act as facet joints and provides stability to operated segment by shifting instantaneous axis of rotation forward in lordotic disorders. In this retrospective study, the patients who underwent lumbar surgery with DIAM (Medtronic Sofamor, Danek) spacer implants were followed up with an aim to evaluate the clinical outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the largest series with longest follow up. Material Methods. Patients who underwent lumbar surgery (discectomy and decompression) with concomitant placement of DIAM spacer within a 36-months period were included. A total of 52 patients including equal number of male (n=26) and female (n=26), were followed up for 12 to 45 months (Mean: 22 months). Results. Total of 77 DIAM implanted; L1/2 (n=1), L3/4 (n=9), L4/5 (n=31), L5/S1 (n=26). 27 patients received DIAM at one level and 25 at 2-levels. Patients experienced significant pain reduction and functional improvement at final follow up. In single level surgery, mean ODI improved from 50.03 pre-operatively to 31.23 post-operatively. The mean pre op VAS-BP & VAS-LP scores were 7.66 & 7.03, which were reduced to 4.29 & 3.55 respectively. In two level surgery mean pre op ODI, VAS-BP VAS-LP were 45.71, 6.71 & 6.42 pre-operatively which improved to 32.20, 3.97 and 3.82 at follow up respectively. Conclusion. Significant improvement of pain and function have been noted following the use of DIAM. Furthermore, DIAM interspinous implantation is less invasive and preserves much of the deep posterior structures compared to semi rigid instrumented dynamic stabilisation devices. Our long-term results of the cohort demonstrate that DIAM spacer implantation is effective in relieving pain and improving functional outcome

Introduction. Current artificial discs include 1 or 2 bearing surfaces, providing 3 or 5 degrees of freedom. The ESP® is a one-piece e implant made of silicon and polycarbonate -urethane securely fixed to titanium endplates. It allows limited rotation and translation with elastic return. This cushion without fixed rotation center achieves 6 degrees of freedom including shock absorption. This objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the concept in a prospective nonrandomized trial. Material and methods. Prior to clinical implantations, the device was endurance tested at least 40 millions cycles. The polymer core weight and properties, the geometrical characteristics and cohesion of the implants remained stable. A prospective trial was initiated in 2004 for L3L4, L4L5 and L5S1 levels. Total disc replacements have been performed in 153 lumbar levels through extra-peritoneal mini-invasive anterior approach with a minimum 2 years follow-up. Results. There was no clinical or radiological device related complication, except 2 early revisions for post-traumatic implant migrations (8, 17 days post-op.). When comparing the device to other implants, clinically relevant improvements in VAS, SF-36 and ODI scores were observed. At ultimate follow-up, the index level was mobile in 83% of the cases (5,3 ° ± 4.1). The mean centre of rotation was in the physiological area in 78% of cases without relevant modification of adjacent disc levels (Spineview® analysis). Conclusion. The 6 years clinical follow-up demonstrate the reliability of the concept and the safety and forgiveness of the implant

Lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) selection is critical to preventing complications following posterior spinal arthrodesis (PSA) for thoracolumbar/lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (TL/L AIS), but evidence guiding LIV selection is limited. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of PSA using novel unilateral convex segmental pedicle screw instrumentation (UCS) in correcting TL/L AIS, to identify radiographic parameters correlating with distal extension of PSA, and to develop a predictive equation for distal fusion extension using these parameters. We reviewed data (demographic, clinical, radiographic, and SRS-22 questionnaires) preoperatively to 2-years' follow-up for TL/L AIS patients treated by PSA using UCS between 2006 to 2011. 53 patients were included and divided into 2 groups: Group-1 (n=36) patients had PSA between Cobb-to-Cobb levels; Group-2 (n=17) patients required distal fusion extension. A mean curve correction of 80% was achieved. Mean postoperative LIV angle, TL/L apical vertebra translation (AVT), and trunk shift were lower than previous studies. Six preoperative radiographic parameters significantly differed between groups and correlated with distal fusion extension: thoracic curve size, thoracolumbar curve size, LIVA, AVT, lumbar flexibility index, and Cobb angle on lumbar convex bending. Regression analysis optimised an equation (incorporating the first five parameters) which is 81% accurate in predicting Cobb-to-Cobb fusion or distal extension. SRS-22 scores were similar between groups. We conclude that TL/L AIS is effectively treated by PSA using UCS, six radiographic parameters correlate with distal fusion extension, and a predictive equation incorporating these parameters reliably informs LIV selection and the need for fusion extension beyond the caudal Cobb level

Aims

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between transverse process (TP) fractures of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae and biomechanical and haemodynamic stability in patients with a pelvic ring injury, since previous data are inconsistent.

Objectives. Juxtafacet cysts of the spine can cause radicular pain, neurological symptoms and are often associated with spinal degeneration. The mainstay of treatment of juxtafacet cysts is surgical resection with laminotomy and resection of the cyst. Other methods, including epidural steroid and facet injections are mostly temporarily effective. The aim of this study is the sufficient decompression with reduced traumatization and destabilization with the full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal technique. Methods. 60 patients with unilateral, single-level juxtafacet cysts were included in this study. 30 Patients (group 1) were operated in full-endoscopic technique (22 interlaminar, 8 trans-/extraforaminal) and 30 Patients (group 2) with conventional microscopic-assisted technique. The full-endoscopic operation was performed with 6.9-mm endoscopes with 4.1-mm intra-endoscopic working canal. The follow-up was 18 months. 27 (91%) patients were followed. Additionally to general parameters validated scores were used. Results. No intraoperative complications occurred. 2 patient in group 1 and 4 patients in group 2 showed transient dysaesthesia. The mean operation time in group 1 was 32 minutes, in group 2 56 minutes. There was no measurable blood loss in group 1, and a mean blood loss of 85 ml in group 2. The follow-up showed satisfactory subjective results in 53 patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups or within group 1 between the transforaminal and interlaminar technique in the clinical results. Group 1 showed significant advantages in different clinical, technical and economical parameters. The maximum time in hospital for group 1 patients was 3 days and 6 days in group 2. No recurrence of the cyst was found in the follow up. Conclusion. The full-endoscopic operation of lumbar facet cysts with full-endoscopic technique is an alternative to the conventional microscopic-assisted procedure for sufficient decompression of juxtafacet cyst. It enables selective procedure with direct visualization, sufficient decompression and less traumatization of the access pathway and the spinal canal structures

There is limited long term evidence to support instrumented fusion as an adjunct to decompression for foraminal stenosis in the presence of single level degenerative disc disease.

We report the long term outcome of a prospective randomised controlled trial. Forty-four patients with single-level disc disease were randomly assigned to three groups (spinal decompression (Group 1), decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion (Group 2), or decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion plus transforaminal interbody fusion (Group 3). Spinal disability (Dallas, Roland Morris, and Lower Back Outcome Score [LBOS]), and quality of life (EuroQol (EQ) and short form (SF-) 36 questionnaires) were assessed before and at after surgery by independent researchers.

At mean of 15 years follow up 33 (75%) patients were available for assessment. All groups observed a significant improvement in the EQ-5D at final follow up. Group 1 demonstrated significantly better functional outcome at final follow up according to the Dallas, Roland Morris, LBOS, and EQ-5D (3L and VAS) scores when compared to the other two groups (p<0.01). The SF-36 score demonstrated that group 1 had significantly better generic health scores compared to groups 2 and 3. Regression analysis was used to adjust for the differences in general health between the groups and demonstrated no significant difference between the groups in the spine specific scores: Dallas (p>0.15), Roland Morris (p>0.37), or the LBOS (p>0.32).

Fusion in combination with decompression for the treatment of foraminal stenosis and single level degenerative disc disease offers no long term functional benefit over decompression in isolation.

Low-energy fractures of the proximal humerus indicate osteoporosis and it is important to direct treatment to this group of patients who are at high risk of further fracture. Data were prospectively collected from 79 patients (11 men, 68 women) with a mean age of 69 years (55 to 86) with fractures of the proximal humerus in order to determine if current guidelines on the measurement of the bone mineral density at the hip and lumbar spine were adequate to stratify the risk and to guide the treatment of osteoporosis. Bone mineral density measurements were made by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the proximal femur, lumbar spine (L2-4) and contralateral distal radius, and the T-scores were generated for comparison. Data were also collected on the use of steroids, smoking, the use of alcohol, hand dominance and comorbidity. The mean T-score for the distal radius was −2.97 (. sd. 1.56) compared with −1.61 (. sd. 1.62) for the lumbar spine and −1.78 (. sd. 1.33) for the femur. There was a significant difference between the mean lumbar and radial T scores (1.36 (1.03 to 1.68); p < 0.001) and between the mean femoral and radial T-scores (1.18 (0.92 to 1.44); p < 0.001). The inclusion of all three sites in the determination of the T-score increased the sensitivity to 66% compared with that of 46% when only the proximal femur and lumbar spine were used. This difference between measurements in the upper limb compared with the axial skeleton and lower limb suggests that basing risk assessment and treatment on only the bone mineral density taken at the hip or lumbar spine may misrepresent the extent of osteoporosis in the upper limb and the subsequent risk of fracture at this site. The assessment of osteoporosis must include measurement of the bone mineral density at the distal radius to avoid underestimation of osteoporosis in the upper limb

Objectives. The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the clinical level of evidence of commercially available demineralised bone matrix (DBM) products for their use in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery. Methods. A total of 17 DBM products were used as search terms in two available databases: Embase and PubMed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement. All articles that reported the clinical use of a DBM-product in trauma and orthopaedic related surgery were included. Results. The literature search resulted in 823 manuscripts of which 64 manuscripts met the final inclusion criteria. The included manuscripts consisted of four randomised controlled trials (level I), eight cohort studies (level III) and 49 case-series (level IV). No clinical studies were found for ten DBM products, and most DBM products were only used in combination with other grafting materials. DBM products were most extensively investigated in spinal surgery, showing limited level I evidence that supports the use Grafton DBM (Osteotech, Eatontown, New Jersey) as a bone graft extender in posterolateral lumbar fusion surgery. DBM products are not thoroughly investigated in trauma surgery, showing mainly level IV evidence that supports the use of Allomatrix (Wright Medical, London, United Kingdom), DBX (DePuy Synthes, Zuchwil, Switzerland), Grafton DBM, or OrthoBlast (Citagenix Laval, Canada) as bone graft extenders. Conclusions. The clinical level of evidence that supports the use of DBM in trauma and orthopaedic surgery is limited and consists mainly of poor quality and retrospective case-series. More prospective, randomised controlled trials are needed to understand the clinical effect and impact of DBM in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Cite this article: J. van der Stok, K. A. Hartholt, D. A. L. Schoenmakers, J. J. C. Arts. The available evidence on demineralised bone matrix in trauma and orthopaedic surgery: A systemati c review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:423–432. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.BJR-2017-0027.R1

Introduction. The degeneration of the adjacent segment in lumbar spine with spondylodesis is well known, though the exact incidence and the mechanism is not clear. Several implants with semi rigid or dynamic behavior are available to reduce the biomechanical loads and to prevent an adjacent segment disease (ASD). Randomized controlled trials are not published. We investigated the biomechanical influence of dynamic and semi rigid implants on the adjacent segment in cadaver lumbar spine with monosegmental fusion (MF). Materials and Methods. 14 fresh cadaver lumbar spines were prepared; capsules and ligaments were kept intact. Pure rotanional moments of ±7.5 Nm were applied with a Zwick 1456 universal testing machine without preload in lateral bending and flexion/extension. The intradiscal pressure (IDP) and the range of motion (ROM) were measured in the segments L2/3 and L3/4 in following situations: in the native spine, monosegmental fusion L4/5 (MF), MF with dynamic rod to L3/4 (Dynabolt), MF with interspinous implant L3/4 (Coflex), and semi rigid fusion with PEEK rod (CD Horizon Legacy) L3-L5. Results. Under flexion load all implants reduced the IDP of segment L2/L3, whereas the IDP in the segment L3/4 was increased using interspinous implants in comparison to the other groups. The IDP was reduced in extension in both segments for all semi rigid or dynamic implants. Compared under extension to the native spine the MF had no influence on the IDP of the adjacent disc. The rod instrumentation (Dynabolt, PEEK rod) lead to a decreased IDP in lateral bending tests. The ROM in L3 was reduced in all groups compared to the native spine. The dynamic and semi rigid stabilization in the segment L3/4 limited the ROM more than the MF. Discussion. The MF reduced the ROM in all directions, whereas the IDP of the adjacent segment remained unaffected. The support of the adjacent segment by semi rigid and dynamic implants decreased the IDP of both segments in extension mainly. This fact is an agreement with other studies. Compared to our data, no significant effect on the adjacent levels was observed. Interestingly, in our study, the IDP of the adjacent segment is unaffected by MF. The biomechanical influence in the view of an ASD could be comprehended, but is not completely clear. The fact of persistent IDP in the adjacent segment suggests that MF has a lower effect on the adjacent segment degeneration as presumed. Biomechanical studies with human cadaver lumbar spines are limited and depend on age and degenerative situation. The effect on supporting implants on adjacent segment disease in lumbar spine surgery has to be investigated in clinical long term studies

Purpose. compare the radiological results in sagittal balance correction obtained with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) versus anterior-posterior osteotomy (APO) by double approach in adults. Material and Methods. between January of 2001 and July of 2009, fifty-eight vertebral osteotomies were carried out in fifty-six patients: 9 Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO), one vertebral resection osteotomy (VRO), 30 anterior-posterior osteotomies (APO) and 18 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO), being the lasts two groups the sample studied (48 osteotomies). The mean age of the patients was 56.3 years (17–72). Initial diagnose was: 28 posttraumathic kyphosis, 7 postsurgical kyphosis, 7 adult degenerative disease, 4 ankylosing spondylitis and 2 congenital kyphoscoliosis. We evaluated the preoperative standing radiographs, the postoperative and at final follow-up by digital measurements with iPACS system viewer (© Real Time Image, USA, 2001). The mean follow-up was 54 months (6–98), and complications were analized. Results. The group APO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 67 °, a mean lumbar lordosis of −42° and a mean sagital balance of 8.6°. The group PSO had a mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis of 41°, a mean lumbar lordosis of −22° and a mean sagital balance of 12.3°. The mean correction in the APO group was 29° in its thoracic kyphosis, 8° of lumbar lordosis and 6.5° in its sagital balance. The mean correction in the PSO group was 12° of the thoracic kyphosis, 25 in the lumbar lordosis and 8.4 cm in the sagital balance. The local correction obtained at the osteotomy level was 28° in the APO group and 25.3° in the PSO group. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of correction between both groups (p>0.05). In terms of complications, PSO group had lower complication rate (26.6%) comparing to ODV group (44.5%). Conclusions. APO and PSO are useful techniques to correct the global sagital balance in patients with a disturbance of the sagittal profile. The correction obtained with the PSO is similar to obtained with the APO. Patients undergoing an OSP had a lower complication rate than patients undergoing APO

Aims

Minimally invasive fixation of pelvic fragility fractures is recommended to reduce pain and allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of two different stabilization techniques in bilateral fragility fractures of the sacrum (BFFS).

Unstable pelvic injuries in young children with an immature pelvis have different modes of failure from those in adolescents and adults. We describe the pathoanatomy of unstable pelvic injuries in these children, and the incidence of associated avulsion of the iliac apophysis and fracture of the ipsilateral fifth lumbar transverse process (L5-TP). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 children with Tile types B and C pelvic injuries admitted between 2007 and 2014; their mean age was 12.6 years (2 to 18) and 12 had an immature pelvis. Those with an immature pelvis commonly sustained symphyseal injuries anteriorly with diastasis, rather than the fractures of the pubic rami seen in adolescents. Posteriorly, transsacral fractures were more commonly encountered in mature children, whereas sacroiliac dislocations and fracture-dislocations were seen in both age groups. Avulsion of the iliac apophysis was identified in eight children, all of whom had an immature pelvis with an intact ipsilateral L5-TP. Young children with an immature pelvis are more susceptible to pubic symphysis and sacroiliac diastasis, whereas bony failures are more common in adolescents. Unstable pelvic injuries in young children are commonly associated with avulsion of the iliac apophysis, particularly with displaced SI joint dislocation and an intact ipsilateral L5-TP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:696–704

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on vehicles have been a significant feature of recent conflicts. The Dynamic Response Index (DRI), developed for predicting spinal injury in aircraft ejection, has been adopted for testing vehicles in underbelly blast. Recent papers suggest that DRI is not accurate in blast conditions. We suggest that the distribution of blast and ejection injuries is different. A literature review identified the distribution of spinal fractures in aircraft ejection incidents. A Joint Theatre Trauma Registry search identified victims of mounted IED blast with spinal fractures. The distribution of injuries in the two groups was compared using the Kruskall Wallis test. 329 fractures were identified in ejector seat incidents; 1% cervical, 84% thoracic and 16% lumbar. 245 fractures were identified in victims of mounted blast; 16% cervical, 34% thoracic and 50% lumbar. There was no significant similarity between the two (p=1). There was no statistically significant difference between the distribution of fractures in blast survivors versus fatalities. The difference between blast and ejection injury patterns suggests that injury prediction models for ejection should not be extrapolated to blast mechanisms and that new models need to be developed

INTRODUCTION. Spinal injuries in children are rare and account for a low proportion of all childhood injuries. Because of higher mobility and elasticity of the spine and a lower body mass in children, spinal injuries are not frequent and represent only 2 to 5 % of all spinal injuries. MATERIAL. All patients from birth to the completed 18th year of age treated in our departments between 1996 and 2005 were included in this study. The patients, evaluated in three age categories (0–9, 10–14, 15–18), were allocated to two groups according to the method of treatment used (conservative or surgical). The information on patients treated conservatively was drawn from medical records; the surgically treated patients were invited for a check-up. RESULTS. During 1996 through 2005, we treated a total of 15 646 patients with injury to the skeleton, aged 0 to 18 years. The spine was affected in 571 cases, which is 3.6 %. We used conservative treatment in 528 (92.5 %) and surgery in 43 (7.5 %) children. The group of patients treated conservatively consisted of 292 boys (55. 3 %) and 236 girls (44.7 %); of these 219 (41.5 %) were in the 0–9 year category, 251 (47.5 %) were between 10 and 14 years and 58 (11 %) were 15 to 18 years old (mean age 10.2 years). The most frequent cause of injury was a fall (277; 52.2 %), then sports activity or games (86; 16.3 %), car accidents (34; 6.4 %) and diving accidents (30; 5.7 %). Pedestrians were injured on 25 occasions (4.7 %) and other causes in 76 patients (14.4 %). Thoracic spine was most frequent (340; 64.4 %), multi-segment injury in 124 patients (23.5 %). The TL spine was affected in 22 patients (4.2 %), and lumbar vertebrae were injured in 28 patients (5.3 %). Injury to the cervical spine, both upper and lower, was least frequent, including 4 (0.8 %) and 10 (1.9 %) patients, respectively. None showed neurological deficit. The surgically treated group included 29 (67.4 %) boys and 14 (32.6 %) girls; two (4.7 %) children were between 0 and 9 years, nine (20.9 %) between 10 and 14 years, and 32 (74.7 %) between 15 and 18 years (mean age 15.1 years). The frequent causes of injury were car accidents and falls in 21 (48.8 %) and 14 (32.6 %) children, respectively. Other causes were infrequent. The upper cervical spine was operated on in five (11.6 %), lower cervical spine in eight (18.6 %), thoracic spine in 13 (30.2 %), TL spine in five (11.6 %) and lumbar vertebrae in 12 (27.9 %) patients. Thirty-six (83.7 %) patients had fractures, five had dislocated fractures (11.6 %) and two (4.7 %) had a dislocation. Neurological deficit was recorded in nine (20.9 %). CONCLUSIONS. Childhood spinal injuries account for only 2 to 5 % of all spinal injuries and for 3.6 % of all skeletal injuries in children. The cervical spine is affected most often in younger children, while the thoracolumbar spine in older children. Multi-segment injuries are typical in the childhood spine, particularly in smaller children. Typically, children show SCIWORA and a more rapid improvement of neurological deficit than adults. Conservative treatment is preferred; surgery before 12 years of age is strictly individual, while after 12 years therapy is similar to that used in adults

Introduction. This is the first study to illustrate spinal fracture distribution and the impact of different injury mechanisms on the spinal column during contemporary warfare. Methods Retrospective analysis of Computed Tomography (CT) spinal images entered onto the Centre for Defence Imaging (CDI) database, 2005-2009. Isolated spinous and transverse process fractures were excluded to allow focus on cases with implications for immediate management and prospective disability burden. Fractures were classified by anatomical level and stability with validated systems. Clinical data regarding mechanism of injury and associated non-spinal injuries for each patient was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's Exact test. Results 57 cases (128 fractures) were analysed. Ballistic (79%) and non-ballistic (21%) mechanisms contribute to vertebral fracture and spinal instability at all regions of the spinal column. There is a low incidence of cervical spine fracture, with these injuries predominantly occurring due to gunshot wounding. There is a high incidence of lumbar spine fractures which are significantly more likely to be caused by explosive devices than gunshot wounds (p<0.05). 66% of thoracolumbar spine fractures caused by explosive devices were unstable, the majority being of a burst configuration. Associated non-spinal injuries occurred in 60% of patients. There is a strong relationship between spinal injuries caused by explosive devices and lower limb fractures Conclusion Explosive devices account for significant injury to both combatants and civilians in current conflict. Injuries to the spine by explosions account for greater numbers, associated morbidity and increasing complexity than other means of injury