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The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 8 | Pages 920 - 927
1 Aug 2023
Stanley AL Jones TJ Dasic D Kakarla S Kolli S Shanbhag S McCarthy MJH

Aims. Traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) typically follows a hyperextension injury and results in motor impairment affecting the upper limbs more than the lower, with occasional sensory impairment and urinary retention. Current evidence on mortality and long-term outcomes is limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the five-year mortality of CCS, and to determine any difference in mortality between management groups or age. Methods. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a traumatic CCS between January 2012 and December 2017 in Wales were identified. Patient demographics and data about injury, management, and outcome were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess mortality and between-group differences. Results. A total of 65 patients were identified (66.2% male (n = 43), mean age 63.9 years (SD 15.9)). At a minimum of five years’ follow-up, 32.3% of CCS patients (n = 21) had died, of whom six (9.2%) had died within 31 days of their injury. Overall, 69.2% of patients (n = 45) had been managed conservatively. There was no significant difference in age between conservatively and surgically managed patients (p = 0.062). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality between patients managed conservatively and those managed surgically (p = 0.819). However, there was a significant difference in mortality between the different age groups (< 50 years vs 50 to 70 years vs > 70 years; p = 0.001). At five years’ follow-up, 55.6% of the patient group aged > 70 years at time of injury had died (n = 15). Respiratory failure was the most common cause of death (n = 9; 42.9%). Conclusion. Almost one-third of patients with a traumatic CCS in Wales had died within five years of their injury. The type of management did not significantly affect mortality but their age at the time of injury did. Further work to assess the long-term functional outcomes of surviving patients is needed to generate more reliable prognostic information. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):920–927


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 4 | Pages 400 - 411
15 Mar 2023
Hosman AJF Barbagallo G van Middendorp JJ

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether early surgical treatment results in better neurological recovery 12 months after injury than late surgical treatment in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI).

Methods

Patients with tSCI requiring surgical spinal decompression presenting to 17 centres in Europe were recruited. Depending on the timing of decompression, patients were divided into early (≤ 12 hours after injury) and late (> 12 hours and < 14 days after injury) groups. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological (ASIA) examination was performed at baseline (after injury but before decompression) and at 12 months. The primary endpoint was the change in Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) from baseline to 12 months.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 104-B, Issue 11 | Pages 1249 - 1255
1 Nov 2022
Williamson TK Passfall L Ihejirika-Lomedico R Espinosa A Owusu-Sarpong S Lanre-Amos T Schoenfeld AJ Passias PG

Aims

Postoperative complication rates remain relatively high after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The extent to which modifiable patient-related factors influence complication rates in patients with ASD has not been effectively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between modifiable patient-related factors and complications after corrective surgery for ASD.

Methods

ASD patients with two-year data were included. Complications were categorized as follows: any complication, major, medical, surgical, major mechanical, major radiological, and reoperation. Modifiable risk factors included smoking, obesity, osteoporosis, alcohol use, depression, psychiatric diagnosis, and hypertension. Patients were stratified by the degree of baseline deformity (low degree of deformity (LowDef)/high degree of deformity (HighDef): below or above 20°) and age (Older/Younger: above or below 65 years). Complication rates were compared for modifiable risk factors in each age/deformity group, using multivariable logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounders.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1464 - 1471
1 Sep 2021
Barker TP Steele N Swamy G Cook A Rai A Crawford R Lutchman L

Aims

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) can be associated with chronic severe lower back pain and long-term autonomic dysfunction. This study assesses the recently defined core outcome set for CES in a cohort of patients using validated questionnaires.

Methods

Between January 2005 and December 2019, 82 patients underwent surgical decompression for acute CES secondary to massive lumbar disc prolapse at our hospital. After review of their records, patients were included if they presented with the clinical and radiological features of CES, then classified as CES incomplete (CESI) or with painless urinary retention (CESR) in accordance with guidelines published by the British Association of Spinal Surgeons. Patients provided written consent and completed a series of questionnaires.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 7 | Pages 1309 - 1316
1 Jul 2021
Garg B Bansal T Mehta N

Aims. To describe the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes in patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with three-column osteotomy by posterior-only approach. Methods. Hospital records of 27 patients with isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis undergoing surgery at a single centre were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent deformity correction which involved a three-column osteotomy by single-stage posterior-only approach. Radiological parameters (local kyphosis angle (KA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), C7 sagittal vertical axis (C7 SVA), T1 slope, and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL)), functional scores, and clinical details of complications were recorded. Results. The mean age of the study population was 13.9 years (SD 6.4). The apex of deformity was in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine in five, 14, and eight patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 178.4 minutes (SD 38.5) and the mean operative blood loss was 701.8 ml (SD 194.4). KA (preoperative mean 70.8° (SD 21.6°) vs final follow-up mean 24.7° (SD 18.9°); p < 0.001) and TK (preoperative mean -1.48° (SD 41.23°) vs final follow-up mean 24.28° (SD 17.29°); p = 0.005) underwent a significant change with surgery. Mean Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) score improved after surgical correction (preoperative mean 3.24 (SD 0.37) vs final follow-up mean 4.28 (SD 0.47); p < 0.001) with maximum improvement in self-image and mental health domains. The overall complication rate was 26%, including two neurological and five non-neurological complications. Permanent neurological deficit was noted in one patient. Conclusion. Deformity correction employing three-column osteotomies by a single-stage posterior-only approach is safe and effective in treating isolated congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1309–1316


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 103-B, Issue 6 | Pages 1133 - 1141
1 Jun 2021
Tsirikos AI Wordie SJ

Aims

To report the outcome of spinal deformity correction through anterior spinal fusion in wheelchair-bound patients with myelomeningocele.

Methods

We reviewed 12 consecutive patients (7M:5F; mean age 12.4 years (9.2 to 16.8)) including demographic details, spinopelvic parameters, surgical correction, and perioperative data. We assessed the impact of surgery on patient outcomes using the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire and a qualitative questionnaire.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 7 | Pages 872 - 879
1 Jul 2019
Li S Zhong N Xu W Yang X Wei H Xiao J

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic factors for postoperative neurological recovery and survival in patients with complete paralysis due to neoplastic epidural spinal cord compression.

Patients and Methods

The medical records of 135 patients with complete paralysis due to neoplastic cord compression were retrospectively reviewed. Potential factors including the timing of surgery, muscular tone, and tumour characteristics were analyzed in relation to neurological recovery using logistical regression analysis. The association between neurological recovery and survival was analyzed using a Cox model. A nomogram was formulated to predict recovery.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 3 | Pages 253 - 259
1 Mar 2019
Shafafy R Valsamis EM Luck J Dimock R Rampersad S Kieffer W Morassi GL Elsayed S

Aims

Fracture of the odontoid process (OP) in the elderly is associated with mortality rates similar to those of hip fracture. The aim of this study was to identify variables that predict mortality in patients with a fracture of the OP, and to assess whether established hip fracture scoring systems such as the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) or Sernbo Score might also be used as predictors of mortality in these patients.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients aged 65 and over with an acute fracture of the OP from two hospitals. Data collected included demographics, medical history, residence, mobility status, admission blood tests, abbreviated mental test score, presence of other injuries, and head injury. All patients were treated in a semi-rigid cervical orthosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken to identify predictors of mortality at 30 days and one year. A total of 82 patients were identified. There were 32 men and 50 women with a mean age of 83.7 years (67 to 100).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1364 - 1371
1 Oct 2018
Joswig H Neff A Ruppert C Hildebrandt G Stienen MN

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of repeat epidural steroid injections as a form of treatment for patients with insufficiently controlled or recurrent radicular pain due to a lumbar or cervical disc herniation. Patients and Methods. A cohort of 102 patients was prospectively followed, after an epidural steroid injection for radicular symptoms due to lumbar disc herniation, in 57 patients, and cervical disc herniation, in 45 patients. Those patients with persistent pain who requested a second injection were prospectively followed for one year. Radicular and local pain were assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS), functional outcome with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or the Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPAD), as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12). Results. A second injection was performed in 17 patients (29.8%) with lumbar herniation and seven (15.6%) with cervical herniation at a mean of 65.3 days . (sd. 46.5) and 47 days . (sd. 37.2), respectively, after the initial injection. All but one patient, who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy, responded satisfactorily with a mean VAS for leg pain of 8.8 mm . (sd. 10.3) and a mean VAS for arm pain of 6.3 mm . (. sd. 9) one year after the second injection, respectively. Similarly, functional outcome and HRQoL were improved significantly from the baseline scores: mean ODI, 12.3 (. sd. 12.4; p < 0.001); mean NPAD, 19.3 (. sd. 24.3; p = 0.041); mean SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) in lumbar herniation, 46.8 (. sd. 7.7; p < 0.001); mean SF-12 PCS in cervical herniation, 43 (. sd. 6.8; p = 0.103). Conclusion. Repeat steroid injections are a justifiable form of treatment in symptomatic patients with lumbar or cervical disc herniation whose symptoms are not satisfactorily relieved after the first injection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1364–71


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1201 - 1207
1 Sep 2018
Kirzner N Etherington G Ton L Chan P Paul E Liew S Humadi A

Aims

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical relevance of increased facet joint distraction as a result of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for trauma.

Patients and Methods

A total of 155 patients (130 men, 25 women. Mean age 42.7 years; 16 to 87) who had undergone ACDF between 1 January 2001 and 1 January 2016 were included in the study. Outcome measures included the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Lateral cervical spine radiographs taken in the immediate postoperative period were reviewed to compare the interfacet distance of the operated segment with those of the facet joints above and below.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1187 - 1200
1 Sep 2018
Subramanian T Ahmad A Mardare DM Kieser DC Mayers D Nnadi C

Aims. Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) systems use non-invasive spinal lengthening for the surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of these devices in the prevention of progression of the deformity. A secondary aim was to record the rate of complications. Patients and Methods. An observational study of 31 consecutive children with EOS, of whom 15 were male, who were treated between December 2011 and October 2017 was undertaken. Their mean age was 7.7 years (2 to 14). The mean follow-up was 47 months (24 to 69). Distractions were completed using the tailgating technique. The primary outcome measure was correction of the radiographic deformity. Secondary outcomes were growth, functional outcomes and complication rates. Results. The mean Cobb angle was 54° (14° to 91°) preoperatively and 37° (11° to 69°) at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis (TK) was 45° (10° to 89°) preoperatively and 42° (9° to 84°) at the latest follow-up. The mean T1–S1 height increased from 287 mm (209 to 378) to 338 mm (240 to 427) (p < 0.001) and the mean sagittal balance reduced from 68 mm (-76 to 1470) preoperatively to 18 mm (-32 to 166) at the latest follow-up. The mean coronal balance was 3 mm (-336 to 64) preoperatively and 8 mm (-144 to 64) at the latest follow-up. The mean increase in weight and sitting and standing height at the latest follow-up was 45%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The mean Activity Scale for Kids (ASKp) scores increased in all domains, with only personal care and standing skills being significant at the latest follow-up (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). The improvements in Cobb angle, TK and T1-S1 heights were not related to gender, the aetiology of the EOS, or whether the procedure was primary or conversion from a conventional growing rod system. A total of 21 children developed 23 complications at a rate of 0.23 per patient per year. Seven developed MCGR-specific complications. Complications developed at a mean of 38 months (3 to 67) after the initial surgery and required 22 further procedures. Children who developed a complication were more likely to be younger, have syndromic EOS, and have a single-rod construct (6.9 versus 9.3 years, p = 0.034). Conclusion. The progression of EOS can be controlled using MCGRs allowing growth and improved function. Younger and syndromic children are more likely to develop complications following surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1187–1200


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 4 | Pages 507 - 515
1 Apr 2018
Nnadi C Thakar C Wilson-MacDonald J Milner P Rao A Mayers D Fairbank J Subramanian T

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and safety of magnetically controlled growth rods in the treatment of early onset scoliosis. Secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical outcome, the rate of further surgery, the rate of complications, and the durability of correction.

Patients and Methods

We undertook an observational prospective cohort study of children with early onset scoliosis, who were recruited over a one-year period and followed up for a minimum of two years. Magnetically controlled rods were introduced in a standardized manner with distractions performed three-monthly thereafter. Adverse events which were both related and unrelated to the device were recorded. Ten children, for whom relevant key data points (such as demographic information, growth parameters, Cobb angles, and functional outcomes) were available, were recruited and followed up over the period of the study. There were five boys and five girls. Their mean age was 6.2 years (2.5 to 10).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1080 - 1087
1 Aug 2017
Tsirikos AI Mataliotakis G Bounakis N

Aims. We present the results of correcting a double or triple curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a convex segmental pedicle screw technique. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 191 patients with a mean age at surgery of 15 years (11 to 23.3). Pedicle screws were placed at the convexity of each curve. Concave screws were inserted at one or two cephalad levels and two caudal levels. The mean operating time was 183 minutes (132 to 276) and the mean blood loss 0.22% of the total blood volume (0.08% to 0.4%). Multimodal monitoring remained stable throughout the operation. The mean hospital stay was 6.8 days (5 to 15). Results. The mean post-operative follow-up was 5.8 years (2.5 to 9.5). There were no neurological complications, deep wound infection, obvious nonunion or need for revision surgery. Upper thoracic scoliosis was corrected by a mean 68.2% (38% to 48%, p < 0.001). Main thoracic scoliosis was corrected by a mean 71% (43.5% to 8.9%, p < 0.001). Lumbar scoliosis was corrected by a mean 72.3% (41% to 90%, p < 0.001). No patient lost more than 3° of correction at follow-up. The thoracic kyphosis improved by 13.1° (-21° to 49°, p < 0.001); the lumbar lordosis remained unchanged (p = 0.58). Coronal imbalance was corrected by a mean 98% (0% to 100%, p < 0.001). Sagittal imbalance was corrected by a mean 96% (20% to 100%, p < 0.001). The Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire score improved from a mean 3.6 to 4.6 (2.4 to 4, p < 0.001); patient satisfaction was a mean 4.9 (4.8 to 5). . Conclusions. This technique carries low neurological and vascular risks because the screws are placed in the pedicles of the convex side of the curve, away from the spinal cord, cauda equina and the aorta. A low implant density (pedicle screw density 1.2, when a density of 2 represents placement of pedicle screws bilaterally at every instrumented segment) achieved satisfactory correction of the scoliosis, an improved thoracic kyphosis and normal global sagittal balance. Both patient satisfaction and functional outcomes were excellent. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1080–7


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 1 | Pages 116 - 121
1 Jan 2017
Bajada S Ved A Dudhniwala AG Ahuja S

Aims

Rates of mortality as high as 25% to 30% have been described following fractures of the odontoid in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to examine whether easily identifiable variables present on admission are associated with mortality.

Patients and Methods

A consecutive series of 83 elderly patients with a fracture of the odontoid following a low-impact injury was identified retrospectively. Data that were collected included demographics, past medical history and the results of blood tests on admission. Radiological investigations were used to assess the Anderson and D’Alonzo classification and displacement of the fracture. The mean age was 82.9 years (65 to 101). Most patients (66; 79.5%) had a type 2 fracture. An associated neurological deficit was present in 11 (13.3%). All were treated conservatively; 80 (96.4%) with a hard collar and three (3.6%) with halo vest immobilisation.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1222 - 1226
1 Sep 2016
Joestl J Lang N Bukaty A Platzer P

Aims

We performed a retrospective, comparative study of elderly patients with an increased risk from anaesthesia who had undergone either anterior screw fixation (ASF) or halo vest immobilisation (HVI) for a type II odontoid fracture.

Patients and Methods

A total of 80 patients aged 65 years or more who had undergone either ASF or HVI for a type II odontoid fracture between 1988 and 2013 were reviewed. There were 47 women and 33 men with a mean age of 73 (65 to 96; standard deviation 7). All had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2 or more.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 9 | Pages 1234 - 1239
1 Sep 2016
Yu HM Malhotra K Butler JS Patel A Sewell MD Li YZ Molloy S

Aims

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) develop deposits in the spine which may lead to vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Our aim was to establish which spinopelvic parameters are associated with the greatest disability in patients with spinal myeloma and VCFs.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional review of 148 consecutive patients (87 male, 61 female) with spinal myeloma and analysed correlations between spinopelvic parameters and patient-reported outcome scores. The mean age of the patients was 65.5 years (37 to 91) and the mean number of vertebrae involved was 3.7 (1 to 15).


Bone & Joint Research
Vol. 5, Issue 9 | Pages 419 - 426
1 Sep 2016
Leichtle CI Lorenz A Rothstock S Happel J Walter F Shiozawa T Leichtle UG

Objectives

Cement augmentation of pedicle screws could be used to improve screw stability, especially in osteoporotic vertebrae. However, little is known concerning the influence of different screw types and amount of cement applied. Therefore, the aim of this biomechanical in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of cement augmentation on the screw pull-out force in osteoporotic vertebrae, comparing different pedicle screws (solid and fenestrated) and cement volumes (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL).

Materials and Methods

A total of 54 osteoporotic human cadaver thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were instrumented with pedicle screws (uncemented, solid cemented or fenestrated cemented) and augmented with high-viscosity PMMA cement (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL). The insertion torque and bone mineral density were determined. Radiographs and CT scans were undertaken to evaluate cement distribution and cement leakage. Pull-out testing was performed with a material testing machine to measure failure load and stiffness. The paired t-test was used to compare the two screws within each vertebra.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 7 | Pages 997 - 1002
1 Jul 2016
Sudo HS Mayer MM Kaneda KK Núñez-Pereira S Shono SY Hitzl WH Iwasaki NI Koller HK

Aims

The aims of our study were to provide long-term information on the behaviour of the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve after thoracic anterior correction and fusion (ASF) and to determine the impact of ASF on pulmonary function.

Patients and Methods

A total of 41 patients (four males, 37 females) with main thoracic (MT) adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with ASF were included. Mean age at surgery was 15.2 years (11 to 27). Mean follow-up period was 13.5 years (10 to 18).


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 5 | Pages 679 - 685
1 May 2016
Ryu KJ Suh SW Kim HW Lee DH Yoon Y Hwang JH

Aims. The aim of this study was a quantitative analysis of a surgeon’s learning curve for scoliosis surgery and the relationship between the surgeon’s experience and post-operative outcomes, which has not been previously well described. Patients and Methods. We have investigated the operating time as a function of the number of patients to determine a specific pattern; we analysed factors affecting the operating time and compared intra- and post-operative outcomes. We analysed 47 consecutive patients undergoing scoliosis surgery performed by a single, non-trained scoliosis surgeon. Operating time was recorded for each of the four parts of the procedures: dissection, placement of pedicle screws, reduction of the deformity and wound closure. Results. The median operating time was 310 minutes (interquartile range 277.5 to 432.5). The pattern showed a continuous decreasing trend in operating time until the patient number reached 23 to 25, after which it stabilised with fewer patient-dependent changes. The operating time was more affected by the patient number (r =- 0.75) than the number of levels fused (r = 0.59). Blood loss (p = 0.016) and length of stay in hospital (p = 0.012) were significantly less after the operating time stabilised. Post-operative functional outcome scores and the rate of complications showed no significant differences. Take home message: We describe a detailed learning curve for scoliosis surgery based on a single surgeon’s practise, providing useful information for novice scoliosis surgeons and for those responsible for training in spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:679–85


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 4 | Pages 526 - 533
1 Apr 2016
Hanley EN Ode G Jackson III JB Seymour R

Aims

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of coccygectomy for patients with chronic coccydynia.

Patients and Methods

Between 2007 and 2011, 98 patients underwent coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia. The patients were aged > 18 years, had coccygeal pain, local tenderness and a radiological abnormality, and had failed conservative management. Outcome measures were the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary analysis compared the pre-operative features and the outcomes of patients with successful and failed treatment, two years post-operatively. The threshold for success was based on a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) on the ODI of 20 points. All other patients, including those lost to follow-up, were classified as failures.