Although little attention has been paid to the less common rheumatoid involvement of the thoracic and lumbar regions, some studies have shown that rheumatoid synovitis with erosive changes can develop in these diarthrodial joints. We report a patient with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the thoracic and lumbar vertebra with a collapse of the T12 vertebra, who was treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty. In this case of a painful pathological fracture due to RA, percutaneous vertebroplasty was found to be helpful in eliminating the pain. The paper presents the histological evidence, the pathogenesis and treatment of the thoracolumbar lesions affected by RA with a review of the relevant literature.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood/complications/*pathology/radiography ; Female ; Fractures, Compression/etiology/radiography/surgery ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae/*pathology/radiography ; Middle Aged ; Thoracic Vertebrae/*pathology/radiography ; Vertebroplasty

An epithelioid hemangioma involving three contiguous bones in continuity has, to the best of our knowledge, not been reported in the literature. A case of a 48-year-old man presented with radiating pain to the lower thoracic region for two years. A radiograph and CT scan revealed both permeative osteolytic and multiple trabeculated lesions involving the left posterior part of the 10th rib as well as the 9th and 10th vertebral bodies in continuity and was misled as a malignant or infectious lesion. The histopathology and immuno-histochemistry of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of an epithelioid hemangioma. The lesion was still stable as of three years after surgery.
Bone Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ribs/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Spinal Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVESTo explore the clinical significance of the transverse thoracic pedicle diameters measurement and thoracic pedicles classification in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

METHODSThirty thoracic idiopathic scoliosis patients who were hospitalized during October 2008 and July 2009 and 20 non-scoliosis adolescents who were adopted during August 2008 and July 2009 were included in this study. Successive CT thoracic vertebrae scanning of all subjects were obtained. All participants' transverse pedicle diameters of the thoracic vertebrae were measured with the software of PACS Client. Classified the pedicle into 4 types according to the transverse pedicle diameters. In control group, the transverse pedicle diameters of bilateral thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. In AIS group, the transverse pedicle diameters of concave and convex side thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. The distribution of pedicle types were compared using Chi-Square test between the control group and AIS group.

RESULTSThe transverse pedicle diameters showed a decreasing trend from T(1) to T(4) followed by an increasing trend from T(5) to T(12) in both groups. The bilateral transverse pedicle diameters had no significant difference in the control group. The transverse pedicle diameters of the concave side at the apex of thoracic curve were found to be significantly thinner than those of convex side. The ratio of Type 4 was higher in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls, and the ratio of Type 1 was smaller in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls.

CONCLUSIONSThe thoracic pedicles in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients are often rather thinner. Preoperative CT measurement of thoracic pedicle in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is suggested helpful in deciding the correct strategy of pedicle screw insertion and decreasing the risk of clinically relevant neurovascular complications.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

No abstract available.
Adolescent ; Back Pain/diagnosis/*etiology/surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Osteoblastoma/*complications/pathology/radiography/surgery ; Pain Measurement ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Spinal Neoplasms/*complications/pathology/radiography/surgery ; *Thoracic Vertebrae/pathology/radiography/surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: A retrospective review of medical records and imaging studies. To investigate characteristic clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal cord tumors (SCTs) of the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ). The spinal cord transitions to the cauda equina in the TLJ. The TLJ contains the upper and lower motor neurons of the spinal cord and cauda equina. As a result, the clinical features of lesions in the TLJ vary, and these anatomical characteristics may affect surgical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathological diagnosis, clinical features, neurological signs, and surgical outcomes were investigated in 76 patients surgically treated at our institute for SCTs arising from T11 to L2. The patients were divided into epiconus (T11-12, n=18) and conus groups (L1-2, n=58). RESULTS: Patients in the epiconus group had hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), while those in the conus group had hypoactive DTRs (p < 0.05). Nine patients were misdiagnosed with intervertebral disc diseases (IVDs) before correct diagnoses were made. It was impossible to definitively determine the exact cause of symptoms in four patients who had both SCTs and IVDs. CONCLUSION: Among SCTs of the TLJ, the epiconus group displayed upper motor neuron syndrome and the conus group displayed lower motor neuron syndrome. SCTs of the TLJ were frequently misdiagnosed as IVDs due to symptomatic similarities. SCTs of the TLJ should be included in differential diagnosis of back and leg pain, and it is highly recommended that routine lumbar magnetic resonance imaging include the TLJ.
Cauda Equina/pathology/radiography ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disk Displacement/pathology/radiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Compression/pathology/radiography ; Spinal Cord Neoplasms/*surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae/*pathology/radiography ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: We report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings on focal anterior displacement of the thoracic spinal cord in asymptomatic patients without a spinal cord herniation or intradural mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 12 patients (male:female = 6:6; mean age, 51.7; range, 15-83 years) between 2007 and 2011, with focal anterior displacement of the spinal cord and without evidence of an intradural mass or spinal cord herniation. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed the MRI findings in consensus. RESULTS: An asymmetric spinal cord deformity with a focal dented appearance was seen on the posterior surface of the spinal cord in all patients, and it involved a length of 1 or 2 vertebral segments in the upper thoracic spine (thoracic vertebrae 1-6). Moreover, a focal widening of the posterior subarachnoid space was also observed in all cases. None of the patients had myelopathy symptoms, and they showed no focal T2-hyperintensity in the spinal cord with the exception of one patient. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow artifacts were seen in the posterior subarachnoid space of the affected spinal cord level. Computed tomography myelography revealed preserved CSF flow in the two available patients. CONCLUSION: Focal anterior spinal cord indentation can be found in the upper thoracic level of asymptomatic patients without a spinal cord herniation or intradural mass.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cerebrospinal Fluid/physiology ; Female ; Hernia/pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Diseases/pathology/*radiography/surgery ; Spine/pathology/radiography ; Thoracic Vertebrae/pathology/*radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Detection of postoperative spinal cord level change can provide basic information about the spinal cord status, and electrophysiological studies regarding this point should be conducted in the future. METHODS: To determine the changes in the spinal cord level postoperatively and the possible associated factors, we prospectively studied 31 patients with scoliosis. All the patients underwent correction and posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods between January 2008 and March 2009. The pre- and postoperative conus medullaris levels were determined by matching the axial magnetic resonance image to the sagittal scout image. The patients were divided according to the change in the postoperative conus medullaris level. The change group was defined as the patients who showed a change of more than one divided section in the vertebral column postoperatively, and the parameters of the change and non-change groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative Cobb's angle of the coronal curve was 76.80degrees +/- 17.19degrees and 33.23degrees +/- 14.39degrees, respectively. Eleven of 31 patients showed a lower conus medullaris level postoperatively. There were no differences in the pre- and postoperative magnitude of the coronal curve, lordosis and kyphosis between the groups. However, the postoperative degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were higher in the change group. There were also differences in the disease entities between the groups. A higher percentage of patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy had a change in level compared to that of the patients with cerebral palsy (83.3% vs. 45.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The conus medullaris level changed postoperatively in the patients with severe scoliosis. Overall, the postoperative degree of correction of the coronal curve was higher in the change group than that in the non-change group. The degrees of correction of the coronal curve and lumbar lordosis were related to the spinal cord level change after scoliosis correction.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Palsy/complications ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis/radiography ; Lordosis/radiography ; Lumbar Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/complications ; Prospective Studies ; Scoliosis/complications/radiography/*surgery ; Severity of Illness Index ; Spinal Cord/*pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the influence of segmental pedicle screws versus hybrid instrumentation on the correction results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior selective thoracic fusion,

METHODSBy reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent selective thoracic fusion from February 2000 to January 2007 in our hospital, the patients were divided into 2 groups according to different instrumentation fashions: Group A was hook-screw-rod (hybrid) internal fixation type, Group B was screw-rod (all pedicle screws) internal fixation type, and the screws were used in every segment on the concave side of the thoracic curve. The parameters of the scoliosis were measured and the correction results were analyzed,

RESULTSTotally, 48 patients (7 males, 41 females) were included, with an average age of 14.4 years old and a mean follow-up time of 12.3 months. Thirty and 18 patients were assigned to group A and group B, respectively. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the thoracic curve were 48.8 degrees and 47.4 degrees, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 13.7 degrees and 6.8 degrees, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 17.0 degrees and 9.5 degrees, with an average correction rate of 64.6% and 79.0%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P = 0.003). The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the lumbar curve were 32.6 degrees and 35.2 degrees, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 8.6 degrees and 8.3 degrees, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 10.3 degrees and 11.1 degrees, with an average correction rate of 66.8% and 69.9%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P = 0.003). The correction loss of the thoracic curve and lumbar curve in the 2 groups were 3.1 degrees and 1.8 degrees, 2.4 degrees and 2.4 degrees, respectively. No significant difference was noted (both P > 0.05). The decompensation rate at final follow-up in these 2 groups were 4% (1/25) and 7.1% (1/14) respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth all pedicle screws and hybrid instrumentation can offer good correction results of the thoracic curve and lumbar curve in posterior selective thoracic fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. While with all pedicle screws, the correction results of the thoracic curve and lumbar curve are both better than those with hybrid instrumentation without increased decompensation rate.

Adolescent ; Bone Screws ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbosacral Region ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Postural Balance ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the treatment of spinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis.

METHODSNineteen cases of spinal fractures complicating ankylosing spondylitis admitted in our hospital were studied retrospectively.

RESULTSAll of 19 cases were up to the diagnosis standards of ankylosing spondylitis. Eleven patients had cervical fracture and 8 had thoracolumbar fracture. Of the patients with cervical fracture, fractures occurred at C(5 - 7) in 9 patients. Of the patients with thoracolumbar injury, stress fractures were seen in 7 patients and all of seven fractures occurred at T(10)-L(2). Sixteen of the 19 patients sustained fractures through three columns of the spine. Nine patients had spinal cord injures; eight of the 9 cases had cervical fracture. All of the 19 patients were treated operatively. Four different surgical procedures were used in patients with cervical fracture; decompression, fusion and stabilization with instrumentation by anterior approach were performed in 9 patients. Of the patients with thoracolumbar fractures, four different operations were performed; fusion by both anterior and posterior approach plus a long posterior instrument were used in 5 cases. Eighteen patients had an average follow-up period of 46.6 months. Nine patients with preoperative neurological deficits improved in 8 and was stabilized in 1. Radiographic evidence of fusion was observed in all of the 18 patients. Two patients suffered neurological deterioration during surgery. One patient died from cerebrovascular infarction. Two patients had pneumonia after the operative procedure.

CONCLUSIONSSpinal fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are associated with a high rate of neurological injury. Shearing fracture usually occurs at the lower cervical spine (C(5 - 7)) and stress fracture at thoracolumbar spine. Most of the fractures involve three columns of spine. Surgical intervention may be indicated in this injury. Fracture union and neurological improvement can be achieved in most patients treated by operation. We suggest that, fusion and stabilization with instrumentation by anterior approach is indicated in most cervical shearing fracture, and a combined fusion by both sides plus a long posterior instrument is probably beneficial in patients with thoracolumbar stress fracture. Complications is not rare after surgery and appropriate preventive measures are necessary for these patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal ; complications ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; complications ; Postoperative Care ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; etiology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

According to the literature, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) secondary to the malunion of displaced fractures of the clavicle is rare. Various surgical methods, including simple neurolysis, resection of the first rib or clavicle and corrective osteotomy, have been reported. We report a case of TOS secondary to malunion of the clavicle that was treated by an anterior and middle scalenectomy without a rib resection.
Adult ; Humans ; Low Back Pain/etiology ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery ; Male ; Postoperative Complications/*microbiology ; Spondylitis/etiology/*microbiology ; Thoracic Vertebrae/*microbiology/pathology ; Tuberculosis/drug therapy/*microbiology ; Tuberculosis, Spinal/complications/drug therapy/*microbiology ; Adult ; Clavicle/*injuries ; Fractures, Malunited/*complications ; Humans ; Male ; Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/etiology/radiography/*surgery