BACKGROUNDPosterior pedicle screw device is widely used in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. As the clinical operation is not based upon quantitative data of adjustments, the results are not optimal. At present, no study has assessed the associations between the device adjustments and the restoration of stiffness. We investigated the biomechanical effects that adjustments of a pedicle screw device had on the burst fracture, and explored an optimal adjustment.

METHODSBurst fractures were produced at L1 vertebra in 24 fresh calf spines (T12-L3). The specimens were divided into four groups at random. Pedicle screw devices were attached to T13 and L2. Four device adjustments, consisting of distraction and extension, were applied. Adjustment 1 was pure 6° extension, adjustment 2 was pure 5 mm distraction, adjustment 3 was 6° extension followed by 5 mm distraction, and adjustment 4 was 5 mm distraction followed by 6° extension. The effect of each adjustment on the stiffness restoration, anatomical reduction, and neural decompression for the burst fractures was analyzed and evaluated.

RESULTSPure extension (Group 1) produced the closest segment height and the least restoration of the canal to the intact. Pure distraction (Group 2) restored stiffness most, but with only 60% stiffness of the intact value, and lost the segmental angle most to the intact. The combination of extension-distraction (Group 3 and Group 4) produced the maximum reduction of the anatomy and restoration of the canal in the burst fracture, and the least stiffness restoration. The sequence of extension and distraction did not affect stiffness restoration, anatomical reduction, and neural decompression.

CONCLUSIONSThe device adjustments affected stiffness restoration, anatomical reduction, and neural decompression. The combined extension-distraction adjustment may be the most suitable considering the anatomical reduction and neural decompression, but the stiffness decreased the most; it should be considered to reconstruct L1 vertebra.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cattle ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo discuss the clinical effectiveness in treating thoracolumbar fractures adopting the rehabilitation exercise utilizing knee pads on the orthopedic traction bed.

METHODSFrom June 1996 to June 2006, we studied the clinical effectiveness of thoracolumbar fractures utilizing knee pads on the orthopedic traction bed for rehabilitation exercise. The cases surveyed total 209, 163 of which had full data. There were 98 males and 65 females with the age from 17 to 74 years (mean, 14.5 years). Consulting time after injury from 30 min to 7 days. Fracture site in T11 had 8 cases, in T12 24 cases, in L1 73 cases, in L2 33 cases, in L3 8 cases, in L4 3 cases, in T12 and L1 14 cases. Compression degree of vertebral anterior border: full compression had 1 case,more than 4/5 had 23, more than 2/3 had 67, more than 1/2 had 40, in 1/3 had 46.

RESULTSAmong them, 8 cases with legs paresis no recovery in nerval function or stopping recovery changed methods, and underwent surgical treatment. Others 155 cases were followed up from 2 to 12 years with an average of 3 years and 4 months. The average height of vertebral anterior borders of the 169 injured compressed had increased from 1.55 cm before treatment to 2.70 cm after treatment with an average of 1.15 cm. The height of the injured vertebral anterior borders had recovered from 50.5% (1.55/3.07) before treatment to 89.4% (2.70/3.02) after treatment. Kyphosis angle of the injured vertebral bodies had recovered from 13.25 degrees to -1.6 degrees in average. Twenty-three cases associated with dislocation basic reduction.

CONCLUSIONRehabilitation exercise using knee pads on the orthopedic traction bed can obtain satisfactory clinical effect in treating thoracolumbar fractures, the method is easy. At 3, 7, 10 days after treatment, the height of bed should be adjusted according X-ray.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Exercise Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Equipment ; Recovery of Function ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of the treatment for thoracolumbar fractures with pedicle screw at the fracture level and vertebroplasty via paraspinal approach.

METHODSFrom August 2007 to August 2010, 22 old patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with pedicle screw at the fracture level and vertebroplasty via paraspinal approach. There were 14 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 60 to 71 years (mean, 64.6 years). The time from injury to surgery varied from 1 to 4 d (mean,2.7 d). All the patients suffered from single thoracolumbar fractures and located at T11 in 2 cases, at T12 in 5 cases, at L1 in 11 cases and at L2 in 4 cases. According to the Denis fracture classification, there were 6 compression fractures and 16 burst fractures. The mean preoperative load-sharing classification of spine fractures was 5.4 score. The mean preoperative thoracolumbar injury classification and scoring was 5.2. Based on the ASIA neurologic grading system, preoperative neurological function was grade B in 2 cases,grade C in 3 cases, grade D in 7 cases and grade E in 10 cases. The neurological function, vertebral central and anterior height, kyphotic angle of the vertebral fractures by radiographs and visual analog scale were calculated pre-operatively, post-operatively and at the last follow-up.

RESULTSMedian operating time was 60.8 min (ranged from 50 to 95 min) and median blood loss was 84 ml (ranged from 50 to 130 ml). The operative incisions were healed well. The duration of follow-up averaged 21.6 months (ranged from 12 to 48 months). The anterior vertebral body height was corrected from preoperative (52.3 +/- 10.3) % to postoperative (6.1 +/- 4.2) % and (6.8 +/- 5.4) % at the last follow-up. The central vertebral body height was corrected from preoperative (38.9 +/- 11.2) % to postoperative (8.3 +/- 4.7) % and (9.4 +/- 4.5)% at the last follow-up. The Cobbs angle of the injured vertebral segment was corrected from preoperative (19.5 +/- 9.5) degrees to postoperative (4.3 +/- 4.1) degrees and (6.2 +/- 4.7) degrees at the last follow-up. The VAS scores reduced from preoperative 8.56 +/- 0.88 to post-operative 3.48 +/- 0.91 and 3.20 +/- 0.92 at the last follow-up. The postoperative neurologic function of all 22 patients improved 1 to 2 degrees except 10 patients of grade E. There were no instances of instrumentation failure and no patient had persistent postoperative back pain.

CONCLUSIONThe pedicle screw at the fracture level and vertebroplasty via paraspinal approach has the advantages of less invasive and blood loss, and could prevent the development of kyphosis and offers improvement of the spinal cord function. Furthermore, it could decrease the risks of postoperative back pain and the failure of instrumentation.

Aged ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord ; physiopathology ; Spinal Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vertebroplasty ; instrumentation

OBJECTIVETo study the curative effect of postural reduction with instrumental reduction in treatment of flexion-distraction thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed on 43 patients with single thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fractures admitted from August 2009 to August 2011, included 28 males and 15 females with an average age of 44 years old (34 to 56 years old). All patients were treated with postural reduction with instrumental reduction. The kyphosis (Cobb angle) recovery of injured vertebral height and complication were analyzed. The visual analogue scale(VAS) and com-plications were followed up and recorded.

RESULTSThere was no difference in recovery of injured vertebral posterior height among preoperative, 1 week and 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). There were significantly difference in kyphosis (Cobb angle) and recovery of injured vertebral anterior height between preoperative and postoperative at 1 week (P < 0.05). There was no difference in kyphosis (Cobb angle) and recovery of injured vertebral anterior height between 1 week and 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). VAS significantly improved from preoperative (7.2 +/- 1.2) to (0.8 +/- 0.7) at 1 year after operation (t = 18.47, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONPostural reduction with instrumental reduction is effective for thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fractures and it is beneficial to the recovery of vertebral height and saggital alignment.

Adult ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Visual Analog Scale

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical outcomes of semicircular decompression in treating old thoracolumbar fractures and intractable neuropathic pain.

METHODSFrom September 2009 to September 2013, 21 patients with old thoracolumbar fracture and intractable neuropathic pain were treated with semicircular decompression. Among initial surgery, posterior pedicle screw fixation was used in these patients, with or without laminectomy. All patients were male, range in age from 20 to 28 years old with an average of (25.00±2.38) years. Vertebral body residual bone block resulted in intra-spinal placeholder more than 50%. All patients were complete spinal cord injury (ASIA grade) or cauda equina injury. VAS scores was from 6 to 10 points with the mean of 7.14±0.91. In these patients, MRI, CT, X-rays were performed; denomination and dosage of analgesics were recorded; nerve function and pain status were respectively evaluated by ASIA grade and VAS score before and after operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 8 to 32 months with an average of (17.29±6.02) months. All bone fragments of spinal canal were removed and spinal cord decompressions were achieved. At final follow-up, VAS scores were from 0 to 8 points with an average of (2.43±2.46) points, and were obviously reduced than peroperative data (P<0.05). Eleven cases of them stopped analgesic intake and 7 cases reduced using. Three patients' symptoms and VAS scores were not improved.

CONCLUSIONOld thoracolumbar fractures and intractable neuropathic pain need receive imaging examination as soon as possible and consider semicircular decompression therapy if bone fragments were in vertebral canal and spinal canal stenosis existed. This therapy can effectively relieve pain and profit nerve functional recovery.

Adult ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Neuralgia ; etiology ; surgery ; Pain, Intractable ; etiology ; surgery ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Visual Analog Scale ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the biomechanical stability of Shen's instrumentation in the management of thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODSThe ranges of movement (ROM) in three dimensions of twelve T(12) - S(3) specimen of fresh adult cadavers were measured sequentially in the states of normal, injured, GSS and SOCON fixation, fatigued GSS and SOCON fixation. Data were then compared.

RESULTSFor the L(2 - 3) segment, the average normal ROM in flexion was 8.3 degrees. In the established spondylolisthesis models, the ROM was 14.7 degrees. After fixation with SOCON, the ROM was decreased to 3.0 degrees, indicating that SOCON fixation can produce good stability. The ROM after fatigue test was 3.6 degrees, significantly lower than that of the normal state, indicating that SOCON still produces good stability after fatigue. For the L(4 - 5) segment, the average normal ROM in flexion was 8.6 degrees. In the established spondylolisthesis models, the ROM was 13.7 degrees. After GSS fixation, the ROM was decreased to 3.2 degrees, significantly lower than that in the normal state, indicating that GSS fixation can produce good stability. ROM after fatigue test was 3.7 degrees, significantly lower than that of the normal state, indicating that GSS can produce good stability after fatigue. The ROM measurements in the other five directions were similar to those for flexion described above.

CONCLUSIONGSS produces good stability for spondylolisthesis, good fatigue resistance, and can be used in pedicle screw revision surgery. There were no significant differences between GSS and SOCON.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Spinal Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of subtotal vertebrectomy, decompression and strut grafting in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision.

METHODSFrom May 2005 to July 2008, 14 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with subtotal vertebrectomy, decompression and strut grafting through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision. There were 9 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 24 to 68 years, with an average of 42.3 years. All patients were single segment fractures, of them, T11 was in 1 case, T12 in 5, L1 in 5 and L2 in 3. According to AO classification in spinal fracture, type A3 was in 5 cases, B1 in 3, B2 in 3, C1 in 2, C2 in 1. According to the ASIA classification in neurological function, grade A was in 3 cases, B in 3, C in 5, D in 2, E in 1. The height of anterior border vertebral body, volume of spinal canal and neurological function were analyzed by X-ray films, CT scanning and ASIA classification preoperative, postoperative and at final follow-up.

RESULTSOperative time was from 3.5 to 5.5 hours with the mean of 4.0 hours; bleeding during operation was from 800 to 2 600 ml with the mean of 1 300 ml. Two cases with nerve root injury recovered without special handling after 3-6 months; 1 case with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid restored through lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage; 1 case with pleura tear healed through closed thoracic drainage. No iatrogenic vascular injury or infection was found. The follow-up time was from 8 to 36 months with the mean of 16.5 months. All patients had neurofunctional recovery at different degree, except that 3 patients in grade A. The height of anterior border vetebral body restored from (42.25 +/- 11.87)% preoperatively to (94.38 +/- 3.08)% postoperatively, and (92.87 +/- 3.32)% at final follow-up (P<0.05); volume of spinal canal (the actual volume of spinal canal/normal volume of spine canal) increased from (45.63 +/- 6.88)% preoperatively to (95.26 +/- 3.31)% postoperatively, and (96.13 +/- 2.56)% at final follow-up (P<0.05). Cobb angle were corrected from (25.64 +/- 4.40) degrees preoperatively to (5.80 +/- 1.14) degrees postoperatively; Cobb angle lost from 0 degrees to 6 degrees at final follow-up with (8.10 +/- 2.65) degrees. All patients obtained complete bony fusion without pseudarthrosis formation at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSubtotal vertebrectomy decompression and strut grafting through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision is an effective and safe method in treating thoracolumbar burst fracture, which can restored height of intervertebral body, volume of spinal canal and physiological flexion of spinal column, and retain spinal permanent stability.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the choice of operative approach for thoracolumbar burst fractures and evaluate its clinical effects.

METHODSFrom September 2005 to March 2009, the clinical data of 94 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were analyzed retrospectively. Including 59 males and 35 femals with an average age of 36.8 years (ranged from 20 to 63). The fractures were classified according to Denis classification: 17 cases of type A, 32 cases of type B, 6 cases of type C, 24 cases of type D, 15 cases of type E. Neurological injuries were classified according to ASIA classification: 3 cases of grade A, 4 cases of type B, 23 cases of grade C, 38 cases of grade D, 26 cases of grade E. Among the patients, 42 cases were treated with reduction, decompression, internal fixation with pedicle-screw through posterior approach, meanwhile, of them, 18 cases with posterior-lateral bone graft fusion; 36 cases were treated with decompression, bone graft, through anterior approach, of them, 16 cases with TSRH system fixation and 20 cases with Zeplate system fixation; 16 cases (because of bone block intruded into vertebral canal leading to spinal cord compression ) were treated with anterior and posterior approach, internal fixation with pedicle-screw through posterior approach and subtotal vertebrectomy, decompression, titanium mesh cages bone graft fusion through anterior approach, meanwhile, of them, 8 cases with screw-rod and titanium steel plate system fixation.

RESULTSAll patients obtained good results and were followed up from 9 to 52 months with an average of 22.8 months. Cobb angle were corrected from preoperatively (25.00 +/- 5.50) degrees to postoperatively (4.20 +/- 1.80) degrees. Height of anterior and posterior border of vertebral body improved from preoperatively (50.80 +/- 2.82)%, (79.30 +/- 3.08)% to postoperatively (94.85 +/- 1.80)%, (98.20 +/- 1.40)%, respectively. The ratio of protruded bones to the spinal canal anteroposterior diameter decreased from preoperatively (33.10 +/- 1.40)% to postoperatively (6.70 +/- 1.50)%. Sagittal abnormity were corrected; posterior convex angle and height were no markedly lost during follow-up; no internal fixation loosening and titanium mesh displacement were found. In the aspect of never function, except for 1 case of grade A there is no recovered others obtained different improvement, among them, from grade A to B was in 2 cases; B to C, D was in 2,2, respectively; C to D, E was 16,7, respectively; D to E was in 38 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe two factors decide surgical methods:the integrity of posterior ligamentous complex and nervous system function. Anterior approach refers to patients with incomplete spinal cord injury and anterior vertebral canal compression; posterior approach refers to patients with injury of posterior ligamentous complex; combination with anterior and posterior approach refers to patients with two injury factors.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Spinal Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo compare short-term and long-term change of paraspinal muscle between percutaneous and open pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODSThirty-three patients were divided into four groups: short-term percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group, short-term open pedicle screw fixation group, long-term percutaneous pedicle screw fixation group, and long-term open pedicle screw fixation group. Paraspinal muscle were studied by needle electromyography and CT. Cross-sectional area and color grade information of paraspinal muscle were measured using CT image.

RESULTSThe area and color grade of paraspinal muscle changed significantly after surgery. The color grade of paraspinal muscle showed significant change while the muscle area observed no significant change in the two short-term groups; There was significant change in paraspinal muscle area, however no significant change was found in muscle color grade of the two long-term groups. In electromyography study the results showed that there was significant difference in the two short-term groups, however no significant difference existed in the long-term groups. There was no significant difference of patients treated by the two surgical technique in long-term function evaluation.

CONCLUSIONBoth percutaneous and open pedicle screw fixation damage paraspinal muscle, however the muscle showed less injury treated by percutaneous pedicle fixation.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscles ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Spinal Fractures ; pathology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; injuries ; Time Factors

PURPOSE: The proposed the thoracolumbar injury classification system (TLICS) for thoracolumbar injury cites the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). However, no report has elucidated the severity of damage in thoracic and lumbar injury with classification schemes by presence of the PLC injury. The purpose of this study was to accurately assess the severity of damage in thoracic and lumbar burst fractures with the PLC injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients treated surgically for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures were enrolled in this study. There were 71 men and 29 women whose mean age was 36 years. Clinical and radiologic data were investigated, and the thoracolumbar injury classification schemes were also evaluated. All patients were divided into two groups (the P group with PLC injuries and the C group without PLC injuries) for comparative examination. RESULTS: Fourth-one of 100 cases showed PLC injuries in MRI study. The load sharing classification score was significantly higher in the P group [7.8+/-0.2 points for the P group and 6.9+/-1.1 points for the C group (p<0.001)]. The TLICS (excluded PLC score) score was also significantly higher in the P group [6.2+/-1.1 points for the P group and 4.0+/-1.4 points for the C group (p<0.001)]. CONCLUSION: The presence of PLC injury significantly influenced the severity of damage. In management of thoracic lumbar burst fractures, evaluation of PLC injury is important to accurately assess the severity of damage.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular/*injuries ; Lumbar Vertebrae/*injuries ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/*classification/*physiopathology/surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae/*injuries ; Young Adult