Objective To investigate the feasibility of short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw non-fusion fixation plus electro-acupuncture for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture.Methods Forty-three patients with single thoracolumbar fracture were treated with short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion,and then were given electro-acupuncture on points such as Jiaji (EX-B2),Huantiao (GB30),and Zhibian (BL54) after the operation.Before and after operation and during the follow-up,X-ray images of the spine at positive position and lateral position were taken for the measurement of vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and the vetebral kyphosis Cobb's angle.Lumbago visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry scores for lumbago function disorder were used for the evaluation of clinical efficacy.Results (1) All of the 43 patients were followed-up,and the follow-up period lasted for 10-27 months.(2) After the operation and at the end of follow-up,vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and Cobb's angle were much improved (P ＜ 0.01compared with those before the operation),and the two indexes at the end of follow-up were improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜ 0.05).(3) One week after the operation and at the end of follow-up,VAS scores and Oswestry scores were obviously improved as compared with those before treatment (P ＜ 0.01),and the two kinds of scores at the end of follow-up were also improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜0.01).Conclusion Short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion plus electro-acupuncture at points such as Jiaji is effective for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture by relieving pain in the waist and back,which ensures the satisfactory effect of operation.

BACKGROUND:For patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Kümmel ’s disease, how to effectively control back pain, to recover patient’s locomotor activity and to avoid a vicious cycle of disuse osteoporosis is a key therapeutic target. Kyphoplasty is a recently developed new technology of minimal y invasive spine surgery. Few reports concerned the kyphoplasty for rheumatoid arthritis and Kümmel ’s disease. OBJECTIVE:To assess the clinical outcome of bone cement kyphoplasty for the treatment of Kümmel ’s disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS:From June 2012 to July 2013, 11 female patients at the age of 65.4±5.1 years with Kümmel ’s disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis, who suffered from severe back pain, were treated with bone cement vertebroplasty. Back pain and imaging indexes were compared and observed before surgery and during fol ow-up. Imaging indexes contained preoperative and postoperative anterior height of vertebral body after fractures, the ratio of anterior height to posterior height of the vertebral body, and local kyphosis angle (Cobb method). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No patients were lost to fol ow up. 11 patients were fol owed up for 6 to 12 months. Significant differences in fol ow-up and preoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores, anterior height of vertebral body after fractures, the ratio of anterior height to posterior height of the vertebral body, and local kyphosis angle were detected (P<0.05). Two patients experienced bone cement leakage. No severe complications appeared such as pulmonary embolism or neurological dysfunction. These data confirmed that bone cement vertebroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis combined with Kümmel ’s disease can effectively lessen back pain, partial y restore the height of vertebral body after fracture, rebuild spinal stabilization, reduce local kyphosis, and is a safe effective repair method.