OBJECTIVE: The current literature implies that the use of short-segment pedicle screw fixation for spinal fractures is dangerous and inappropriate because of its high failure rate, but favorable results have been reported. The purpose of this study is to report the short term results of thoracolumbar burst and compression fractures treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all surgically managed thoracolumbar fractures during six years were performed. The 19 surgically managed patients were instrumented by the short-segment technique. Patients' charts, operation notes, preoperative and postoperative radiographs (sagittal index, sagittal plane kyphosis, anterior body compression, vertebral kyphosis, regional kyphosis), computed tomography scans, neurological findings (Frankel functional classification), and follow-up records up to 12-month follow-up were reviewed . RESULTS: No patients showed an increase in neurological deficit. A statistically significant difference existed between the patients preoperative, postoperative and follow-up sagittal index, sagittal plane kyphosis, anterior body compression, vertebral kyphosis and regional kyphosis. One screw pullout resulted in kyphotic angulation, one screw was misplaced and one patient suffered angulation of the proximal segment on follow-up, but these findings were not related to the radiographic findings. Significant bending of screws or hardware breakage were not encountered. CONCLUSION: Although long term follow-up evaluation needs to verified, the short term follow-up results suggest a favorable outcome for short-segment instrumentation. When applied to patients with isolated spinal fractures who were cooperative with 3-4 months of spinal bracing, short-segment pedicle screw fixation using the posterior approach seems to provide satisfactory result.
Braces ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Fractures, Compression ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus is one of the major complications following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the risk factors of the hydrocephalus after SAH are not still well known. This study was focused on verification of the causal relationships between the development of hydrocephalus and SAH. METHODS: The patients who developed hydrocephalus after rupture of aneurysms were studied. To obtain prognostic factors regarding to hydrocephalus, several parameters such as age, sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Hunt-Hess SAH classification & Fisher Grade on admission and the ratio of frontal horn of lateral ventricle diameter to skull inner table diameter at this level (FH/ID) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The development of hydrocephalus following SAH is multifactorial. The age, IVH, FH/ID ratio were related to hydrocephalus in analysis. There is a low clinical correlation between sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of ICH, GCS, Hunt-Hess SAH classification, Fisher Grade on admission and hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on risk factors related to the occurrence of hydrocephalus may help guide neurosurgeons in the long-term care of patients who have experienced aneurysmal SAH.
Aneurysm* ; Animals ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Classification ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Hemorrhage ; Horns ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Hypertension ; Lateral Ventricles ; Long-Term Care ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Rupture ; Skull ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage*

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocephalus is one of the major complications following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the risk factors of the hydrocephalus after SAH are not still well known. This study was focused on verification of the causal relationships between the development of hydrocephalus and SAH. METHODS: The patients who developed hydrocephalus after rupture of aneurysms were studied. To obtain prognostic factors regarding to hydrocephalus, several parameters such as age, sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Hunt-Hess SAH classification & Fisher Grade on admission and the ratio of frontal horn of lateral ventricle diameter to skull inner table diameter at this level (FH/ID) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The development of hydrocephalus following SAH is multifactorial. The age, IVH, FH/ID ratio were related to hydrocephalus in analysis. There is a low clinical correlation between sex, hypertension, location of aneurysm, existence of ICH, GCS, Hunt-Hess SAH classification, Fisher Grade on admission and hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on risk factors related to the occurrence of hydrocephalus may help guide neurosurgeons in the long-term care of patients who have experienced aneurysmal SAH.
Aneurysm* ; Animals ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Classification ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Hemorrhage ; Horns ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Hypertension ; Lateral Ventricles ; Long-Term Care ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Rupture ; Skull ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage*

Objective: To compare the convenience and effectiveness of the existing lumbosacral orthoses (LSO) (classic LSO and Cybertech) and a newly developed LSO (V-LSO) by analyzing postoperative data. Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed from May 2019 to November 2019 and enrolled and analyzed 88 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease scheduled for elective lumbar surgery. Three types of LSO that were provided according to the time of patient registration were applied for 6 weeks. Patients were randomized into the classic LSO group (n=31), Cybertech group (n=26), and V-LSO group (n=31). All patients were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and underwent plain lumbar radiography (anteroposterior and lateral views) 10 days postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis (LS angle) and frontal imbalance were measured with and without LSO. At the sixth postoperative week, a follow-up assessment with the ODI and orthosis questionnaire was conducted. Results: No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the LS angle, frontal imbalance, ODI, and orthosis questionnaire results. When the change in the LS angle and frontal imbalance toward the reference value was defined as a positive change with and without LSO, the rate of positive change was significantly different in the V-LSO group (LS angle: 41.94% vs. 61.54% vs. 83.87%; p=0.003). Conclusion The newly developed LSO showed no difference regarding its effectiveness and compliance when compared with the existing LSO, but it was more effective in correcting lumbar lordosis.