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ResumoAs fraturas vertebrais osteoporóticas são um tipo comum de fratura e afetam um número significativo da população com osteoporose. Apesar do elevado risco de fratura, a ocorrência concomitante de fraturas vertebrais em níveis não contíguos é muito rara. Reportamos o caso de uma paciente com três fraturas explosivas da coluna dorsolombar em níveis não contíguos, tratada com cifoplastia e fixação posterior transpedicular por via percutânea. Seis meses após a cirurgia, a paciente tem marcha autônoma, sem dor, e, radiologicamente, não existem evidências de perda de redução das fraturas.

BACKGROUND : Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is used to treat multiple conditions, including spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disorders (DDD), adjacent segment disease (ASD), and degenerative scoliosis. While many advocate for posterior fixation with LLIF, stand-alone LLIF is increasingly being performed. Yet the fusion rate for stand-alone LLIF is unknown. PURPOSE : Determine the fusion rate for stand-alone LLIF. STUDY DESIGN : Systematic Review. METHODS : We queried MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE for literature on stand-alone LLIF fusion rate with a publication cutoff of April 2020. LLIF surgery was considered stand-alone when not paired with supplemental posterior fixation. Cohort fusion rate differences were calculated and tested for significance (p RESULTS : A total of 2,735 publications were assessed. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria, including 736 patients and 1,103 vertebral levels. Mean age was 61.7 years with BMI 26.5 kg/m2. Mean fusion rate was 85.6% (range, 53.0%-100.0%), which did not different significant by number of levels fused (1-level, 2-level, and ≥3-level). Use of rhBMP-2 was reported in 39.3% of subjects, with no difference in fusion rates between studies using rhBMP-2 (87.7%) and those in which rhBMP-2 was not used (83.9%, OR=1.37, p=0.448). Fusion rate did not differ with the addition of a lateral plate, or by underlying diagnosis. All-complication rate was 42.2% and mean reoperation rate was 11.1%, with 2.3% reoperation due to pseudarthrosis. Of the studies comparing stand-alone to circumferential fusion, pooled fusion rate was found to be 80.4% vs. 91.0% (p=0.637). CONCLUSIONS Stand-alone LLIF yields high fusion rates overall. The wide range of reported fusion rates and lower fusion rates in studies involving subsequent surgical reoperation highlights the importance of being well-trained in this technique and employing a rigorous algorithm when indicating patients for stand-alone LLIF. Future research should focus on examining risk factors and patient-reported outcomes in stand-alone LLIF.

Study Design: Retrospective radiological analysis. Objectives: Translaminar screw (TLS) placement is one of the fixation techniques in the subaxial cervical spine. However, it can be difficult to use in small diameter of the lamina. This study proposed a novel bicortical laminar screw (BLS) and analyzed the related parameters using computed tomography (CT). Methods: Cervical CT images taken at our institution from January 2013 to March 2017 were used for measurement. On the axial images, the maximum screw length (MSL) and trajectory angle (TA) of BLS and TLS were measured, together with the distance from the midline (DM) to the BLS entry point and the lamina width (LW). On the parasagittal images, the height of the lamina (LH) was measured. Results: MSL of BLS and TLS were 21.00 and 20.97 mm, 19.02 and 20.91 mm, 18.45 and 21.01 mm, and 20.00 and 21.01 mm in C3, C4, C5, and C6, respectively. TA of the BLS and TLS were 21.24° and 34.90°, 19.05° and 34.22°, 18.65° and 33.61°, and 18.30° and 34.51° at C3, C4, C5, and C6, respectively. DM were 6.44, 5.77, 5.68, and 6.03 at C3, C4, C5, and C6, respectively. LW and LH were 3.52 and 12.44 mm, 2.87 and 12.49 mm, 2.76 and 12.42 mm, and 3.18 and 13.30 mm at C3, C4, C5, and C6, respectively. Conclusion: We suggest that BLS fixation is a feasible alternative option for posterior fixation to the lamina of the subaxial cervical spine. It may be especially useful when pedicle screw, lateral mass screw, and TLS are not appropriate.

Objective To compare the Schanz screw insertion angle and the loss of the regional kyphosis correction in thoracolumbar burst fractures following posterior short instrumentation surgery. Methods Patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture between levels T11-L2 were divided into two groups (parallel and divergent) according to the angle formed between the Schanz screw and the vertebral plateau. Regional kyphosis was evaluated in preoperative, immediate postoperative and last follow-up radiographs. Results Of the 58 patients evaluated, 31 had a parallel assembly and 27 had a divergent assembly. When we analyzed the angle of kyphosis, no statistical difference was observed between the pre- and postoperative radiographs. However, a statistical difference in the last follow-up radiographs and in the final loss of the kyphosis correction was confirmed. Conclusion The insertion of Schanz screws with a divergent assembly presents better radiographic results with less loss of kyphosis correction angle when compared with the parallel assembly technique. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective cohort study.

To compare transoral and endoscopic transnasal anterior release without odontoidectomy and posterior reduction and fixation to treat irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD). From June 2006 to January 2017, 35 consecutive patients with IAAD underwent transoral (Tr-Oral group) or endoscopic transnasal (Tr-Nasal group) release and posterior fixation and fusion in our department. Clinical neurological recovery (Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score) and radiological reduction parameters including atlantodontoid interval (ADI), space available for the cord (SAC) and cervicomedullary angle (CMA) were analyzed and compared. The operation duration, blood loss, length of intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital stay and complications were recorded. All 35 patients (18 and 17 patients in the Tr-Oral and Tr-Nasal groups, respectively) were followed up for a mean of 36.4 months (range, 21–60 months). All patients achieved excellent anatomical reduction and clinical neurological recovery, with no significant differences between the two groups. The JOA score, ADI, SAC and CMA were not significantly different between the two groups at various postoperative points. Although the Tr-Oral group had shorter operation time and less blood loss than the Tr-Nasal group, the Tr-Nasal group tended to have a significantly shorter hospital/ICU stay, earlier extubation and earlier oral intake than the Tr-Oral group. The transoral and endoscopic transnasal approaches can achieve equivalent release and reduction effects when treating IAAD. Compared to the transoral approach, the endoscopic transnasal route is less invasive with earlier extubation and oral intake, shorter hospital/ICU stays and lower medical costs, which is conducive to enhanced recovery after surgery.

Introduction Implant subsidence is a potential complication of spinal interbody fusion and may negatively affect patients subjected to procedures relying on indirect decompression such as minimally invasive transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The porous architecture of a recently developed titanium intervertebral cage maximizes bone-to-implant contact and minimizes stress shielding in laboratory experiments; however, its subsidence rate in patients has not yet been evaluated. The goal of this current study was to evaluate implant subsidence in patients subjected to LLIF. Methods Our institutional review board-approved single-center experience included 29 patients who underwent 30 minimally invasive LLIF from July 2017 to September 2018 utilizing the novel 3D-printed porous titanium implants. Radiographs, obtained during routine postoperative follow-up visits, were reviewed for signs of implant subsidence, defined as any appreciable compromise of the vertebral endplates. Results Radiographic subsidence occurred in 2 cases (6.7%), involving 2 out of 59 porous titanium interbody cages (3.4%). Both cases of subsidence occurred in four-level stand-alone constructs. The patients remained asymptomatic and did not require surgical revision. Ten surgeries were stand-alone constructs, and 20 surgeries included supplemental posterior fixation. Conclusions In our patient cohort, subsidence of the porous titanium intervertebral cage occurred in 6.7% of all cases and in 3.4% of all lumbar levels. This subsidence rate is lower compared to previously reported subsidence rates in patients subjected to LLIF using polyetheretherketone implants.

Background: Anterior transarticular screw fixation (ATSF) of C1/C2 can be used for the treatment of unstable dens fractures. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of an anterior C1/C2 fixation in elderly patients with unstable dens fractures. Furthermore, we tried to analyze safe entry zones for ATSF surgery. Methods: A consecutive cohort of 13 patients with unstable dens fractures were treated with ATSF of C1/C2 between January 2015 and October 2016. If necessary, an additional screw was placed into the odontoid process. The placement was radiographically analyzed using the 3D Arcadis Orbic (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Additionally, computed tomography scans of the cervical spine from 50 trauma patients were analyzed to evaluate safe entry zones for anterior odontoid screw fixation and for ATSF. Results: ATSF was performed in 13 cases (7 female, 6 male; mean age 81.80 years). One screw had to be corrected intraoperatively due to initial malplacement. Neurological deficits or an injury of the vertebral artery were not observed. All patients suffered from swallowing difficulties during the postoperative course, without lesions of the esophagus or the trachea. In 4 patients (30.8%), an additional posterior fixation was offered to the patients due to progressive loosening of the screws. The anatomical-radiographic analyzes revealed a significantly shallower angle of trajectory for anterior odontoid screw fixation (24.9° ± 5.85°) than for ATSF (39.1° ± 6.44° (left); 40.5° ± 6.79° (right) P = 0.02). Conclusions: The ATSF of C1/C2 might be a valuable option in the treatment of instable C1/C2 fractures, especially in the elderly or in patients with short necks and/or high body mass index due to the steeper trajectory compared with odontoid screw placement. Yet available screws seem to be of inferior resistance compared with the biomechanical properties of a dorsal fixation. Further studies should focus on screws with better mechanical properties and probably additional cement augmentation. Level of Evidence: 4.

An anterior approach to the lumbar spine is increasingly used in performing fusion. Depending on the level to be treated, several approaches have been developed to deal with the anatomic obstacles encountered: pure anterior, oblique anterior or lateral, and trans- or pre-psoas. Conventional techniques incur risk of muscle lesion and severe bleeding, and have been replaced by minimally invasive approaches, often with video assistance after rapid closure of laparoscopic approaches with gas insufflation. There has, in parallel, been great progress in anterior spinal instrumentation systems. Non-existent when these techniques were first developed, they have become increasingly sophisticated, and now employ a variety of stand-alone or not cages and anterior screwed plate that can be associated together or to posterior fixation. Each approach and type of fixation has its specific technical requirements that need to be fully mastered so as to minimize risk, especially regarding vessels, and to enable the patient to enjoy the benefit of their very low morbidity. We shall therefore detail here each step of the pure anterior approach, which is most often used for L5S1, the oblique and lateral approaches, mainly used for L2L5, and also the preparation of the lumbar spine for anterior interbody fusion, with the respective instrumentations. We shall then consider the pros, cons and risks, and also spinal or general contraindications that may sometimes preclude this option. From this, we shall derive the specific optimal and wrong indications for anterior lumbar surgery, to help decision-making when fusion is indicated.

Background This retrospective study aimed to determine the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical debridement combined with posterior fixation and fusion in patients with upper cervical spine tuberculosis. Methods Between June 2008 and January 2016, 17 patients (10 men and 7 women) with upper cervical spine tuberculosis underwent endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical debridement combined with posterior fixation and fusion. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was administered for 2–4 weeks preoperatively and 12–18 months postoperatively. The clinical and radiographic data of the patients were analyzed. Results The operation was successfully completed in all patients. Neck pain and stiffness were relieved after the surgery in all patients. The mean operation time was 210.0 ± 21.2 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 364.7 ± 49.6 mL. The mean follow-up duration was 68.1 ± 6.7 months. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate returned to normal by 3 months postoperatively. Visual analog scale scores for neck pain were significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively. All patients had significant postoperative neurological improvement. Patient-reported outcomes, as measured using the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria, were as follows: excellent, 12 patients; good, 4 patients; fair, 1 patient; and poor, 0 patients. Bone fusion was achieved at 10.9 ± 1.9 months after the surgery; no cases of instrument loosening or fracture occurred. Conclusion Endoscopy-assisted anterior cervical debridement combined with posterior fixation and fusion is a feasible and effective surgical method for the treatment of upper cervical spine tuberculosis. It can be used to restore upper cervical spine stability and facilitate spinal healing.

Fused motion segments have been documented to alter the biomechanics of the cervical spine and compromise its stability. Current literature describes a growing association between the presence of prior noninstrumented fused cervical segments and the predisposition to acute, traumatic instability at adjacent levels. We present the case of a stable cervical spine fracture pattern in a patient with a history of multilevel noninstrumented anterior cervical spine fusion-initially presenting as a small, nondisplaced unilateral facet fracture that ultimately progressed to overt displacement with kyphosis resulting in acute cervical pain and instability. The patient underwent urgent open reduction and instrumented posterior fixation. We discuss the challenges associated with a timely diagnosis and offer insight into the surgical management of this rare yet potentially catastrophic complication.

Odontoid fractures represent one of the most common and controversial injury types affecting the cervical spine, being associated with a high incidence of nonunion, morbidity, and mortality. These complications are especially common and important in elderly patients, for which ideal treatment options are still under debate. Stable fractures in young patients maybe treated conservatively, with immobilization. Although halo-vest has been widely used for their conservative management, studies have shown high rates of complications in the elderly, and therefore current evidence suggests that the conservative management of these fractures should be carried out with a hard cervical collar or cervicothoracic orthosis. Elderly patients with stable fractures have been reported to have better clinical results with surgical treatment. For these and for all patients with unstable fractures, several surgical techniques have been proposed. Anterior odontoid fixation can be used in reducible fractures with ideal fracture patterns, with older patients requiring fixation with 2 screws. In other cases, C1-C2 posterior fixation maybe needed with the best surgical option depending on the reducibility of the fracture and vertebral artery anatomy. In this paper, current evidence on the management of odontoid fractures is discussed, and an algorithm for treatment is proposed.

A clinical case of a single-step transoral removal of C2 and C3 vertebral bodies with subsequent stabilization of the C1–C4 spinal segment through the same approach (with additional submandibular approach to insert screws into the C4 vertebra body) without dissection of the mandible and tongue is presented. The first experience of anterior stabilization of the C1–C4 spinal segment using a custom-made instrumentation system demonstrated its effectiveness. It was shown that, taking into account the length of the cervical spine resection, the anterior stabilization with a custom-made plate should be combined with standard methods of posterior fixation. Innovative surgical technologies allow optimizing the surgical technique of cervical spine stabilization and provide earlier rehabilitation of a patient.

BACKGROUND: Information on the performance of posterior fixation with cortical screw (CS) versus pedicle screw (PS) trajectories for stabilizing thoracolumbar burst fractures is limited. Therefore, we sought to analyze stability with CS versus PS in short- and long-segment fixations using a 3-column spinal injury model. METHODS: Nondestructive flexibility tests: (1) intact, (2) intact + short fixation, (3) intact + long fixation, (4) after burst fracture, (5) short fixation + burst fracture, and (6) long fixation + burst fracture using thoracic spine segments (7 CS, 7 PS). RESULTS: With CS, the range of motion (ROM) was significantly greater with short-segment than with long-segment fixation in all directions, with and without burst fracture (P ≤ .008). With PS and burst fracture, ROM was significantly greater with short fixation during lateral bending and axial rotation (P

Study design This was a prospective study of 50 patients of thoracolumbar fracture dislocation treated at a single institution with short-segment fixation with the inclusion of fracture level. Purpose To assess the outcomes of including the fracture level in short-segment fixation for thoracolumbar fracture dislocation. Overview of literature Traditionally, thoracolumbar fracture dislocation is treated with long-segment posterior fixation. However, to save motion segments, short-segment fixation has been used instead in many cases of thoracolumbar trauma. Methods In this study, 50 patients with thoracolumbar fracture dislocation were treated with short-segment fixation with inclusion of the fracture level; patients with pathological fractures or with a McCormack load-sharing score >6 were excluded. The 50 patients were prospectively followed for at least 1 year. The duration of surgery, blood loss, and complications were noted. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was used to measure pain, and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale was used to determine the neurological status at follow-up. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up X-rays were used to measure the kyphotic angle using Cobb's method. Results The mean age of our patients was 33.4 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.9:1. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (range, 12-23 months). Injuries were mainly at the thoracolumbar junction area (T11-L2, 41 cases, 82%). The average duration of surgery was 94.6 minutes, and the average blood loss was 394.8 mL. Postoperative infection occurred in two cases and implant failure in one case. The kyphosis angle values were as follows: average preoperative, 26.80°±14.50°; immediate postoperative, 4.30°±8.70°; and final follow-up, 5.50°±110°. The ASIA scale and VAS score at final follow-up showed improvement. Conclusions Inclusion of the fracture level in short-segment fixation for thoracolumbar fracture dislocation (McCormack load-sharing score ≤6) gives good kyphosis correction and correction maintenance. It can also obviate the need for traditional long-segment fixation.

Study design Retrospective review. Objective Evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes for infants and children, who underwent rigid occipito-cervical fixation for traumatic craniocervical dissociation (tCCD). Summary of background data Traumatic craniocervical dissociation is devastating. Children are at high risk but make up a large number of survivors. Non-rigid fixation has traditionally been favored over screw and rod constructs due to inherent challenges involved with instrumenting the pediatric craniocervical junction. Therefore, outcomes for rigid occipito-cervical instrumentation in infants and young children with tCCD remain uncertain. Methods Retrospective review of children who survived tCCD between 2006 and 2016 and underwent rigid occipito-cervical fixation. Results Fifteen children, from 8 months to 8 years old (mean, 3.8 yr), were either a passenger (n = 11) or a pedestrian (n = 4) in a motor vehicle accident. Seven patients had weakness: five with quadriplegia, one with hemiparesis, and one with bilateral upper extremity paresis. Ten patients had concurrent C1-2 instability. At last follow-up, four patients had improved motor function: one with bilateral upper extremity paresis and one with hemiparesis regained full strength, one with quadriplegia regained function on one side while another regained function in bilateral upper extremities. All underwent rigid posterior occipito-cervical fixation, with two patients requiring additional anterior and posterior fixation at non-contiguous levels. Fourteen patients were stable on flexion-extension x-rays at a mean follow-up of 31 months (9-1 yr or longer, 7-2 yr or longer). There were no cases of deformity, growth disturbance, or subaxial instability. Conclusion Children who survive tCCD may regain function after stabilization. Rigid internal rod and screw fixation in infants and young children safely provided long-term stability. We advocate using C2 translaminar screws to exploit the favorable anatomy of pediatric lamina to minimize the risks of occipitocervical (OC) instrumentation. Level of evidence 4.

Background: There are various posterior fixations utilized with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Previous studies have focused on the comparison of two fixation techniques. Materials and Methods: Sixty five patients with single-level lumbar disease were included in this retrospective study. Group A was treated by TLIF with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS), Group B treated by TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw (UPS), and Group C treated by TLIF with UPS plus contralateral translaminar facet screw (UPSFS). The operative time, blood loss, Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA), and visual analog scores (VAS) were recorded. Radiographic examination was used to assess fusion rates and incidence of screw failure. Results: The blood loss and operative times were 188.69 ± 37.69 ml and 132.96.5 ± 8.69 min in BPS group, 117.27 ± 27.11 ml and 99.32 ± 12.94 min in UPS group, and 121.50 ± 22.54 ml and 112.55 ± 9.42 min in UPSFS group; UPS and UPSFS were better than BPS (P < 0.05). The mean followup time was 38.2 months. Fusion rates were – BPS group: 95.6%, UPS group: 90%, UPSFS: 95% (P > 0.05). Screw and/or rod failures were found in three groups (BPS group: 1, UPS group: 2 and UPSFS: 1, P > 0.05). The average postoperative VAS, ODI, and JOA scores of BPS, UPS, and UPSFS were improved significantly in each group compared to preoperative scores (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences between any two groups at each followup time point (P > 0.05). Conclusion: UPSFS with TLIF is a viable treatment option that provides satisfactory clinical results; the clinical outcome and the complication rate were comparable to BPS. In addition, the invasive of UPSFS cases was comparable to UPS and better than BPS cases. For UPS, it could be used in suitable patients.

Case We present here a case of chronic pelvic separation 22 years after twin natural delivery in a 49-year-old woman surgically treated with anterior and posterior stabilization. The functional and radiological recovery after a 4-year follow-up was extremely good. Conclusion Postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis is a rare but dreaded complication of natural delivery. Nonoperative treatment is still considered the gold standard. However, when pain persists despite nonoperative treatment and when a pelvic radiograph reveals a pubic diastasis greater than 2 cm, surgery is recommended. In the case of low back pain because of sacroiliac joint lesions, posterior fixation is indicated.

Study Design: Prospective observational study. Objective: In ACDF, graft failure and subsidence are common complications of surgery. Depending on the cervical fixation, different biomechanical characteristics are applied on the grafts. This aims to describe the incidence of cervical spacer failure in patients with cervical degenerative condition according to the cervical fixation method and sagittal balance. Method: From November 2011 to December 2015, 262 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery were enrolled prospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on fixation method: anterior plate/screw (APS), posterior lateral mass screw (LMS), pedicle screw (PPS) groups. Serial X-rays and CT scans were utilized to evaluate radiologic outcomes. Results: Mean patient ages were 56.1 years in the APS group, 61.5 years in the LMS group, and 57.6 years in the PPS group ( P = 0.002). Allospacer failure was most common in the APS group, compared to the LMS and PPS groups (chi-square, P = 0.038). Longer fusion level was associated with greater allospacer failure (Baseline 2 level surgery; Odds ratio (OR) 3.4 in 3 level, 15.2 in 4 level, P = 0.036,0.013). Higher T1 slope was correlated with less allospacer failure (OR 0.875, P = 0.001). ORs of allospacer failure in the LMS and PPS groups were 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, ( P = 0.01, 0.01), compared with the APS group. Conclusion: This study was able to show that allospacer failure in multi-level ACDF surgery is more common with a longer fusion length, less postoperative T1 slope, and an anterior plate-screws technique. Pedicle screws provided the best biomechanical stability among the 3 constructs.

Background This study compared the biomechanics of artificial pedicle fixation in spine reconstruction with a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed prosthesis after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) by finite element analysis. Methods A thoracolumbar (T10–L2) finite element model was developed and validated. Two models of T12 TES were established in combination with different fixation methods: Model A consisted of long-segment posterior fixation (T10/11, L1/2) + 3D-printed prosthesis; and Model B consisted of Model A + two artificial pedicle fixation screws. The models were evaluated with an applied of 7.5 N·m and axial force of 200 N. We recorded and analyzed the following: (1) stiffness of the two fixation systems, (2) hardware stress in the two fixation systems, and (3) stress on the endplate adjacent to the 3D-printed prosthesis. Results The fixation strength of Model B was enhanced by the screws in the artificial pedicle, which was mainly manifested as an improvement in rotational stability. The stress transmission of the artificial pedicle fixation screws reduced the stress on the posterior rods and endplate adjacent to the 3D-printed prosthesis in all directions of motion, especially in rotation. Conclusions After TES, the posterior long-segment fixation combined with the anterior 3D printed prosthesis could maintain postoperative spinal stability, but adding artificial pedicle fixation increased the stability of the fixation system and reduced the risk of prosthesis subsidence and instrumentation failure.

BACKGROUND: Long-segment posterior fixation has been used as a mainstay treatment of spine fracture-dislocations. Studies using short-segment posterior fixation in cases of thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation are limited. We describe our experience of 26 patients with thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation treated by short-segment or long-segment posterior spinal fixation and fusion. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of 26 patients with thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation treated by long-segment (group 1, n = 12) and short-segment posterior instrumentation (group 2, n = 14). Clinical (visual analog scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), neurological (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] scale), radiological (kyphotic angle, translational percentage, and displacement angle), and surgical (blood loss, operative time) outcomes and complications were recorded with each method. The mean follow-up period was 8.64 months (6–20 months). RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was 3.92 ± 0.67 hours in group 1 and 3.21 ± 0.54 hours in group 2, and mean blood loss was 583.33 ± 111.5 mL and 478.6 ±112.2 mL in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < .05). There was no radiologically visible pseudarthrosis, implant failure, or screw breakage in either group at follow up with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to the radiological outcome (P > .05). Two patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 improved after surgery at least 1 ASIA grade. VAS and ODI improved in both groups at the final follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Short-segment fixation can be used for treating fracture-dislocation patients, as it results in less blood loss, decreased intraoperative time, and saves fusion segments with similar radiological and clinical outcomes as long-segment fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Study Design: Retrospective case series Objectives: Reduction of translational/angular slip is a favorable radiological result in spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis, although its clinical significance remains controversial. Few studies have investigated slip reduction and associated factors in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis of 56 operated levels of 52 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis and had more than 1-year of regular follow-up. Translational/angular slip, anterior/posterior disc height, and spinopelvic parameters were measured preoperatively, postoperatively at 6-weeks, and at the last follow-up. Demographic, radiological, and surgical parameters were analyzed to determine factors associated with the amount of slip reduction. Result: The mean follow-up duration was 30.4 ± 12.9 months (range, 12 to 61). The mean decrease in translational slip was 5.7 ± 2.1 mm (13.6 ± 5.5%) and the mean increase in angular slip was 7.9 ± 7.1° at the last follow-up (both P < 0.001). The amount of slip reduction was greater in female sex, age < 65 years, use of a 12° cage, cage position from the anterior disc margin of < 7 mm, and cases with posterior decompression (laminectomy with inferior facetectomy). Conclusions: OLIF showed satisfactory translational/angular slip reduction in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Surgical techniques for optimal reduction include the use of a large angle cage, anterior cage placement, and resection of the inferior facet.

Purpose Sacropelvic fixation is frequently used in combination with thoracolumbar instrumentation for the correction of severe spinal deformities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the triangular titanium implants on the iliac screw fixation. Our hypothesis was that the use of triangular titanium implants can increase the stability of the iliac screw fixation. Methods Three T10-pelvis instrumented models were created: pedicle screws and rods in T10-S1, and bilateral iliac screws (IL); posterior fixation and bilateral iliac screws and triangular implants inserted bilaterally in a sacro-alar-iliac trajectory (IL-Tri-SAI); posterior fixation and bilateral iliac screws and two bilateral triangular titanium implants inserted in a lateral trajectory (IL-Tri-Lat). Outputs of these models, such as hardware stresses, were compared against a model with pedicle screws and rods in T10-S1 (PED). Results Sacropelvic fixation decreased the L5-S1 motion by 75–90%. The motion of the SIJ was reduced by 55–80% after iliac fixation; the addition of triangular titanium implants further reduced it. IL, IL-Tri-SAI and IL-Tri-Lat demonstrated lower S1 pedicle stresses with respect to PED. Triangular implants had a protective effect on the iliac screw stresses. Conclusion Sacropelvic fixation decreased L5-S1 range of motion suggesting increased stability of the joint. The combination of triangular titanium implants and iliac screws reduced the residual flexibility of the sacroiliac joint, and resulted in a protective effect on the S1 pedicle screws and iliac screws themselves. Clinical studies may be performed to demonstrate applicability of these FEA results to patient outcomes.

Objective To compare the spinal stability with different fixation methods after thoracic TES using finite element analysis Methods The spinal finite element model was established from a healthy volunteer, and the validity was verified. The models of T8 thoracic total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) with and without artificial vertebral body were established combination with different fixation methods: the first was long segment fixation with fixed segments T5–7, T9–11; the second was short segment fixation with fixed segments T6–7, T9–10; the third was modified short segment with a pair of vertebral body screws on T7 and T9 added on the basis of short segment fixation. The motions of each model in standing state were simulated in software. The range of motion (ROM) and internal fixation stress changes were analyzed. Results When anterior support was effective, the three fixation methods could effectively maintain the stability of the spine. However, when anterior support failed, the ROM of the long segment fixation group and the short segment fixation group in the flexion-extension directions was significantly higher than that of when the anterior support existed, while the modified short segment fixation group had no significant changes. Meanwhile, the stress of internal fixation in the long segment fixation group and the short segment fixation group were greatly increased. However, there were no significant changes in modified short segment fixation group. Conclusion After TES, the presence of the thoracic cage gives partial anterior stabilization. When the anterior support failed, the modified short segment fixation method can provide better stability.

Background The importance of sagittal alignment in healthy individuals and in reconstructive spinal surgery has been studied over the last 15 years. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of abnormal sagittal alignment on hardware after posterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion. Methods Patients who had undergone revision surgery (revision cohort, n = 34) due to breakage of their implants were compared retrospectively with patients who had intact implants at the final follow-up investigation after a long posterior thoracolumbar and/or lumbar spinal fusion (control cohort, n = 22). Clinical data and radiological parameters including the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), lordosis gap (LG), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and the femoral obliquity angle (FOA) were assessed on full-spine lateral radiographs obtained in regular standing position. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics. Results Patients in the breakage group (female n = 21, male n = 9, mean age 60.9 ± 15.6 years) had a higher anterior shift of the C7 plumb line (SVA) (p = 0.02), retroversion of the pelvis (PT) (p p = 0.001), and PI (p = 0.002) than the intact group (female n = 10, male n = 12, mean age 65.7 ± 12.4 years). No significant difference was registered between groups in regard of SS, LL, TK, FOA, and the mean number of comorbidities. Conclusion Failure of restoration of the SVA and the LG to the acceptable ranges, especially in patients with a high PI, may be regarded as a risk factor for the long-term failure of implants after posterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

BACKGROUND Congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra of the cervicodorsal spine is a rare disorder. It might be accompanied by impaired cosmetic appearances such as head tilt and trunk shift. Little is known about the effect of correction of the major curve on head tilt and trunk shift in children. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic changes of head tilt and trunk shift following posterior hemivertebra resection (PHVR). METHODS Retrospectively, all children who underwent PHVR at the cervicodorsal spine (C6-Th6) with pedicle screw fixation with a minimum radiographic follow-up of 1 year were identified for further assessment. A total of 5 radiographic parameters were assessed on preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs. (1) Head tilt was defined as the angle between the horizontal line and the line through both molars of the maxillary, (2) trunk shift as the angle between the line of the center of C7 to the sacrum and the central sacral vertical line, (3) Cobb angle was used to assess the major curve, (4) cranial, and (5) caudal compensatory curvature. RESULTS Seven boys and 10 girls with a mean age of 9.0 years at surgery were evaluated. The mean radiographic follow-up was 89.5 months (range: 12 to 166 mo). The mean head tilt reoriented from 6.9 to 1.9 degrees (P

The main historical aspects of the evolution of transpedicular fixation of the spine were analyzed according to the literature. The main historical stages in the development of transpedicular fixation of the spine were identified: vertebral screw fixation (King, 1944), pedicle screw plate system (Roy-Camille, 1970), external transpedicular fixation – Fixateur Externe (Magerl, 1977), internal transpedicular fixation – Fixateur Interne (Dick, 1982), transpedicular titanium implants (1987). They played a significant role in the formation of modern surgical technologies for posterior metallic osteosynthesis and the creation of multifunctional transpedicular fixation devices, which are now considered to be the gold standard of posterior fixation for various pathologies of the thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

A retrospective study.This retrospective study assessed whether short same-segment fixation (SSSF) is better than short-segment posterior fixation (SSPF) for reducing thoracolumbar fractures, improving the kyphosis angle, maintaining vertebral height, or reducing the incidence of broken screws.In clinical practice, single-segment thoracolumbar fractures were then more likely to be treated with SSPF that included pedicle fixation at the level of the fracture (short same-segment fixation, or SSSF). Whether SSSF could really achieve vertebral height recovery, improve the kyphosis, reduce postoperative kyphosis loss, and reduce the incidence of internal fixation failure better than SSPF.Patients treated with SSPF or SSSF at our institution during 2006 to 2014 were reviewed. Effects of thoracolumbar fracture reduction, improved kyphosis angle, and maintaining vertebral height were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to instrumentation breakage and correlation analysis to assess possible relations between loss of correction of the kyphosis angle (LAWAC) and other factors.Altogether, 130 patients were enrolled (53 SSPF, 77 SSSF). SSPF (22F, 31M) group's mean (range) age was 37.7 (16-60) years, and the follow-up was 26.2 (9-120) months. SSSF (27F, 50M) group's mean (range) age was 39.3 (17-61) years, and the follow-up was 23.2 (9-60) months. All patients underwent either internal fixation or screw repair. Immediately postoperatively, restoration after middle vertebral fractures was better in SSSF patients than in SSPF patients (P = 0.003), with no differences in other fracture-related factors (P 0.05). Only LAWAC was significantly associated with instrumentation breakage (P 0.05). Also, immediately postoperatively, the anterior/posterior vertebral heights ratio was negatively related to LAWAC.Pedicle fixation of the fracture did not obtain better recovery of anterior or posterior vertebral heights nor did it improve AWA restoration. There was no significant difference in LAWAC between groups or in the incidence of broken screws. LAWAC may increase the incidence of broken screws.4.

A clinical case of surgical treatment of a female adolescent patient with multiple malformations, congenital thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis, severe lower paraparesis and impaired functions of pelvic organs is presented with a review of the literature on the problem under consideration. During the course of treatment over several years, the patient underwent repeated revision surgical interventions because of implant instability and infectious complications. The last stage of treatment included a three-column osteotomy of the spine at the deformity apex with posterior instrumented fixation. A significant correction of the deformity was achieved. Based on the results of 18-month follow-up, the correction is maintained, the implant is stable. The patient reports a significant improvement in the quality of life.

Osteopenia of the front half of the distal femur is a well-known problem after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with secondary issues after years, especially when must be addressed fractures or revisions for loosening. Stress shielding has been recognized as a cause in different biomechanical studies of the bone. It was logical to look for a solution by changing the design to minimize stress shielding behind the femoral shield. It was proved that radiological measure of bone density was reliable although not so early and accurate as densitometry. We used a shield without posterior fixation of the trochlea in a series of 21 TKA with radiological measures, preoperative, at 3 months and at 5 years. We compared the results with those of a series of classical TKA in the same category of age and sex. The TKA without trochlea posterior fixation presented a significantly reduced osteopenia compared to the classical design of the femoral shield. It seems that the non-fixation of the posterior surface of the trochlea may reduce osteopenia in TKA and so the risk of fractures and complications when revision surgery. 2a.

Biomechanical/anatomic limitations may limit the successful implantation, maintenance, and risk acceptance of posterior cervical plate/rod fixation for one stage decompression-fusion. A method of posterior fixation (crisscross) that resolves biomechanical deficiencies of previous facet wiring techniques and not reliant upon screw implantation has been devised. The biomechanical performance of the new method of facet fixation was compared to the traditional lateral mass plate/screw fixation method.Thirteen human cadaver spine segments (C2-T1) were tested under flexion-compression loading and four were evaluated additionally under pure-moment load. Preparations were evaluated in a sequence of surgical alterations with intact, laminectomy, lateral mass plate/screw fixation, and crisscross facet fixation using forces, displacements and kinematics.Combined loading demonstrated significantly lower bending stiffness (p 0.05) between laminectomy compared to crisscross and lateral mass plate/screw preparations. Crisscross fixation showed a comparative tendency for increased stiffness. The increased overall motion induced by laminectomy was resolved by both fixation techniques, with crisscross fixation demonstrating a comparatively more uniform change in segmental motions.The crisscross technique of facet fixation offers immediate mechanical stability with resolution of increased flexural rotations induced by multi-level laminectomy. Many of the anatomic limitations and potentially deleterious variables that may be associated with multi-level screw fixation are not associated with facet wire passage, and the subsequent fixation using a pattern of wire connection crossing each facet joint exhibits a comparatively more uniform load distribution. Crisscross wire fixation is a valuable addition to the surgical armamentarium for extensive posterior cervical single-stage decompression-fixation.

Study Design:Broad narrative review.Objectives:Translaminar screw (TLS) fixation was first described as a salvage technique for fixation of the axial spine. Better understanding of the spine anatomy allows for advancement in surgical techniques and expansion of TLS indications. The goal of this review is to discuss the anatomic feasibility of the TLS fixation in different region of the spine.Methods:A review of the current literatures on the principles, biomechanics, and clinical application of the translaminar screw technique in the axial, subaxial, and thoracolumbar spine.Results:Anatomic feasibility and biomechanical studies have demonstrated that TLS is a safe and strong fixation methods for fusion beyond just the axial spine. However, not all spine segments have wide enough lamina to accept TLS. Preoperative computed tomography scan can help ensure the feasibility and safety of TLS insertion. Recent clinical reports have validated the application of TLS in subaxial spine, thoracic spine, hangman’s fracture, and pediatric population.Conclusions:TLS can be used beyond axial spine; however, TLS insertion is only warranted when the lamina is thick enough to avoid further complications such as breakage. Preoperative computed tomography scans can be used to determine feasibility of such fixation construct.

Study Design: Systematic literature review. Objectives: Many studies have provided evidence that short-segment posterior fixation (SSPF—1 level above and 1 below) with screws at the fracture level (SFL) are enough to achieve stability in some injury patterns, such as burst fractures, avoiding the need for circumferential reconstruction and long-segment instrumented fusion (LSIF—at least 2 levels above and 2 below). Given the potential benefits of avoiding unnecessary fusion in mobile healthy spinal segments, we performed a systematic review of biomechanical studies comparing different spinal reconstruction techniques for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in the PubMed and OVID databases of biomechanical studies comparing biomechanical differences between techniques of spine reconstructions. Results: Eight studies were included and evaluated. Five of 6 studies reported stiffness improvement with SSPF and SFL, even comparable to circumferential fusion for a burst fracture. Two studies reported that LSPF has higher stiffness and restricts range of motion better than SSPF, but inclusion of screws in the fracture level is similar to LSPF (1 study). Finally, although SSPF is less stiff than anterior reconstruction, adding a SFL in SSPF results in similar stiffness than circumferential fusion for unstable burst fractures. Conclusions: Biomechanical studies analyzed generally suggested that SFL in SSPF may improve construction stiffness, and can even be compared with long-segment fixation or circumferential reconstruction in some scenarios. This construct option may be used to enhance stiffness in selected injury patterns, avoiding the needs of an additional anterior approach.

Study DesignRetrospective study of 37 consecutive female patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent reconstructed computed tomography (CT) scanning of the cervical spine.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether the vertebral lateral notch of the cervical spine is an effective landmark to determine the entry point for lateral mass screwing. A modified Roy-Camille technique was used to determine the entry point associated with the lateral notch of the cervical spine.Overview of LiteratureThe Roy-Camille technique has been a popular technique for the posterior fixation of the cervical spine. A problem with this technique is determining the entry point on the lateral mass via visual inspection, such as in cases with degenerative or destructive cervical facet joints.MethodsThirty-three female patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent reconstructed CT scanning of the cervical spine. Overall, 132 vertebrae from C3 to C6 were reviewed using reconstructed CT. The probable trajectory using a modified Roy-Camille technique was determined using reconstructed CT scans, and the optimal entry point was identified. Horizontal and vertical distances from the vertebral lateral notch were measured.ResultsThe entry point determined using the modified Roy-Camille technique was significantly superior and medial compared with that determined using the conventional Roy-Camille technique. At C3 and C4 levels, the entry point using the modified technique was 1.4 mm below and 4.4 mm medial to the lateral notch, and at C5 and C6 levels, it was 2.3 mm below and 4.9 mm medial to the lateral notch.ConclusionsThe vertebral lateral notch of the cervical spine was an effective landmark to determine the entry point for lateral mass screwing. The modified Roy-Camille technique proposed here may prevent surgical complications and poor outcomes.

Utilization of static and expandable interbody spacers for minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) offers favorable clinical results. However, complications such as implant migration and/or subsidence may occur with a static implant. Expandable devices allow forThis study included 29 patients who underwent LLIF with a static spacer and 27 with an expandable spacer; all procedures were combined with supplemental transpedicular posterior fixation. Patient self-assessment forms and radiographic records were used to assess clinical and radiologic outcomes.Mean patient age was 62.3±10.3 years (64% female). One-level surgery was performed in 87.5% of patients, and 12.5% underwent two-level surgery. Results showed no significant differences in blood loss or length of hospital stay (P0.05). However, operative times differed statistically between static (63.3±37.8 min) and expandable (120.2±59.6 min) groups (P=0.000). Mean visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores improved significantly from preoperative to 24-month follow-up in both groups (P0.05). Preoperative intervertebral and neuroforaminal height increased significantly in both groups (P0.01). Fusion was observed in all operative levels in the static and expandable spacer groups by 24-month follow-up. Implant subsidence was reported in 16.1% of static levels and none of the expandable levels (P0.01). Postoperative radiographs showed no evidence of implant migration, and no cases required surgical revision at the index or adjacent levels.LLIF using expandable spacers resulted in similar clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared with using static spacers, and led to a lower subsidence rate.

Recent clinical study suggests an advantage to adding an iliosacral screw to the anterior fixation construct for anteroposterior compression type-2 (OTA/AO type 61-B1), partially unstable open-book pelvic ring injuries. Others have described stress examination to determine any required supplemental fixation. However, biomechanical studies investigating iliosacral fixation requirements for this injury are lacking. Our objective was to determine whether adding an iliosacral screw to symphyseal plate fixation decreases displacement in a well-defined open-book pelvic ring injury model.An open-book pelvic ring injury was created in 10 human cadaveric pelves by unilaterally releasing the sacrospinous, sacrotuberous, and anterior sacroiliac ligaments plus transection of the pubic symphysis, approximating the classically described anteroposterior compression type-2 (APC-2) injury. Specimens were divided into 2 groups: (1) symphyseal plating and (2) plating plus an iliosacral screw. Using a standard bilateral stance model loaded at 550 N, displacement measurements were obtained at 210,000 and 500,000 cycles.Three specimens failed before 210,000 cycles because of technical errors and were excluded from analysis. For the remaining 7, there was no significant difference in displacement between the 2 groups, and none sustained implant failure. Post hoc analysis showed that a large sample size (45/group) would be required to detect any difference with 80% power, indicating a small effect size with limited clinical application.Adding an iliosacral screw to the symphyseal plate fixation does not provide improved biomechanical outcome in classically described APC-2 injuries. Clinically, stress examination may be useful to determine the need for supplemental posterior fixation in APC-2 injuries.

Objective. To analyze opportunities of short segmental fixation of C2-C3 (C4) vertebrae with direct repositioning of bone fragments using polyaxial screws for traumatic C2 spondylolisthesis. Material and Methods. Short mono- or bisegmental posterior fixation of C2-C3 (C4) vertebrae was performed in 7 patients with hangman’s fracture. Results. Clinical examination in 6 and 12 months after surgery revealed persisting pain in the cervical spine and limitation of rotational motion to the left up to 20° in one patient. Other patients had the same range of rotational motion as before surgery. All patients were able to return to their previous work, including that related with heavy manual labor. Conclusion. Posterior instrumental fixation of C2 transpedicularly and of C3 (C4) into the lateral masses is an effective and reliable reposition-fixation option of hangman’s fracture stabilization.

Introduction Corrective surgery for adult degenerative scoliosis using lateral interbody fusion (LIF) and additional posterior fixation is an efficient procedure. However, it is unclear how this procedure affects rotational deformity correction. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to use three-dimensional (3D) images, taken during surgery, to investigate rotational deformity correction in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis using LIF and posterior fixation using a pedicle screw system. Methods The subjects were 12 females who were treated using LIF and posterior fixation for adult degenerative scoliosis. The patients had a mean age of 72 (65-76) years. 3D images were acquired before surgery, after LIF, and after additional posterior fixation. Rotational angles of the upper vertebra with respect to the lower vertebra of each fixed segment were measured in 3 planes. Correction factors for rotational deformity were investigated after LIF and additional posterior fixation. Results There were significant improvements in radiographical parameters for global spinal balance. The correction angles per segment were 4.7° for lateral bending, 6.9° for lordosis, and 4.5° for axial rotation. LIF was responsible for correction of four-fifths of lateral bending and axial rotation, and two-thirds of lordotic changes. Conclusions Lateral bending, axial rotational deformities, and lordosis were primarily corrected by LIF. Further lordosis correction was achieved using additional posterior fixation. These results indicate that corrective surgery for adult degenerative scoliosis using these procedures is effective for rotational deformity correction and leads to an ideal global spinal alignment.

Among the elderly, even minor injuries can cause cervical spine fractures. With the increasing number of nonagenarians, the opportunities for treatment of cervical spine injuries in nonagenarians are getting to be more common. Conservative therapy is often chosen in nonagenarians with cervical spine injuries because of high risk associated with surgical treatment; however, we present herein the cases of three patients in nonagenarians who underwent surgical treatment for cervical spine injury. After a fall, three cases of nonagenarians who lived alone and independent were diagnosed with a Jefferson fracture and minor dislocated type II odontoid fracture, a C4 fracture with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and a fracture-dislocation of C2, respectively. Their past medical history included several diseases, but we decided that spine surgery under general anesthesia was acceptable based on their pre-injury condition. We performed posterior fixation for all cases. As a result, while two patients developed postoperative minor complications, all cases showed favorable postoperative courses. They acquired independent or partially assisted walking and were transferred to the hospital for rehabilitation. If fundamental activity of daily living and general condition permit, posterior fixation seems to be a good choice even in nonagenarians.

Background: Spinal instrumentation using rods and screws have become procedure of choice for posterior fixation. Vertebral artery anatomy is highly variable in this region posing challenges during surgery. Our study used 3D printer model to understand the anatomy and variations in vertebral artery in live patients thereby providing an accurate idea about vertebral artery injury risk in these patients preoperatively and to rehearse the whole procedure. Methods: Ten patients of developmental craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies who were planned for operative intervention in the Department of Neurosurgery at SMS Hospital from February 2016 to December 2016 were analysed using a 3D printer model. Results: Out of twenty vertebral arteries studied in ten patients, two were hypoplastic and out of these one could not be appreciated on 3D printer model .Out of remaining nineteen, thirteen arteries were found to lie outside the joint, three were in lateral third, one traversed the middle third of joint and one lied in medial third. In one patient, the vertebral artery was stretched and it traversed horizontally over the joint. Out of ten patients studied, nine were having occipitalised atlas and so entry of these vertebral arteries into cranium were classified as given by Wang et al. into four types. Conclusions: By our study, 3D printer model was extremely helpful in analyzing joints and vertebral artery preoperatively and making the surgeon acquainted about the placement and trajectory of the screws accordingly. In our opinion, these models should be included as a basic investigation tool in these patients.

Background Cervical spine injuries (CSI) are considered to be a major trauma with no well-established criteria for the choice of treatment technique. Objective Determine criteria for the choice of surgical technique to address CSI and review current tendencies in stabilization approaches used for CSI. Design Retrospective review and literature survey. Material and methods Retrospective review included 101 CSI cases with 24 craniocervical and 77 subaxial injuries, 48 CSI publications (9 books and guidelines, and 39 articles). The patients were treated with either anterior (ACDF, ACCF) or posterior fixation using screw constructs, or with 360° stabilization. Results Subaxial spine injury accounts for 75 % of all CSI. C2 vertebra injury is the most severe among craniocervical trauma. Posterior C1–C2 fixation with Harms and Magerl techniques remains the method of choice. SLIC and CSISS scoring systems are mostly used to assess subaxial injury. Anterior fixation is common for unstable subaxial injury. Posterior screw fixation has become more common. Conclusion Injuries to the cervical spine at the С2 vertebra fractures are most challenging, and posterior fixation is the method of choice for the operative stabilization. Subaxial injuries require a thorough assessment of posterior supporting complex integrity. Anterior fixation remains the most common method of treatment. Multipillar subaxial injuries require posterior fixation and 360° stabilization in the majority of the cases.

International audience; PURPOSE: Report the results of surgical treatment of post-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) due to C2 articular facet fracture in adults.ăMATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of five patients treated since 2009 for AARF due to a C2 articular facet fracture were analyzed retrospectively. Three women and two men with an average age of 60 years (27-82) were included, one of whom initially had neurological deficits. In all cases, the surgical strategy consisted of posterior fixation: Harms-type in four cases and trans-articular with hooks in one case.ăRESULTS: Dislocations due to fracture of the C2 articular facet are rare in adults; various treatment strategies have been described. In our experience, posterior screw fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. Fusion is not necessary in these cases because the dislocation is related to an asymmetric fracture without ligament damage.ăCONCLUSION: Posterior fixation provides satisfactory reduction of these injuries and leads to satisfactory bone union. This surgical treatment can be performed early on after the trauma and is an interesting alternative to conservative treatment.

BackgroundTo compare the imaging parameters pre- and post- reductive procedure for atlantoaxial dislocation via posterior fixation using pedicle screw and rod.MethodsThirty-seven patients suffering from atlantoaxial dislocation underwent posterior reduction and internal fixation by pedicle screw and rod. We measured pre-operative and post-operative atlantodental interval (ADI), clivus-canal angle (CCA), cervicomedullary angle (CMA), sum of lateral mass interspace (SLMI) of the operation and the control group. ADI, CCA, CMA, and SLMI between the pre-operative and post-operative conditions of the operation group and the control group were compared.ResultsThe ADI, CCA, CMA, and SLMI in the pre-operative condition of the operation group were 8.3 ± 4.3 mm, 130.2 ± 14.2°, 133.8 ± 16.7°, and 3.7 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, those in the post-operative condition of the operation group were 1.0 ± 0.9 mm, 148.5 ± 9.4°, 156.0 ± 8.2°, and 8.0 ± 2.7 mm, respectively, while those in the control group were 1.2 ± 0.3 mm, 152.7 ± 5.3°, 160.2 ± 6.3°, and 4.5 ± 1.0 mm respectively. Post-operative ADI, CCA, CMA, and SLMI were statistically different (p ConclusionsThe lateral mass joints were widened after the anatomical reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation by pedicle screw and rod. Widening of the lateral mass exists in both atlantoaxial fusion and occipital-cervical fusion.

Retrospective case analysis.This study was conducted to investigate the course of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression after laminoplasty (LP) or laminectomy with posterior fixation (PF).LP is now recognized as a standard technique for the treatment of cervical multisegment OPLL; however, PF is beneficial for patients with severe stenosis. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in mechanical stress in OPLL, which is assumed to significantly impact progression.The progression of OPLL was assessed using midline sagittal computed tomography images of the cervical spine at various follow-up points. Radiographic parameters including the C2-C7 Cobb angle, C2-C7 range of motion (ROM), and adjacent cranial and caudal segmental ROMs were measured. Postoperative changes and differences between the LP and PF groups in the radiographic parameters were calculated to assess biomechanical stress. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the progression rate.The authors included 14 PF and 36 LP patients, with a mean follow-up period of 28.9±20.8 and 37.6±16.8 months, respectively (P=0.069). After surgical treatment, both groups showed loss of cervical lordosis (9.2±6.9 vs. 5.3±8.2 degrees, P=0.220) and C2-C7 ROM (14.6± 13.5 vs. 13.1±12.2 degrees, P=0.861). The decrease of ROM in the cranial adjacent segment was larger in the LP group than in the PF group (0.7±4.1 vs. 1.4±5.5 degrees, P=0.453). The ROM in the caudal adjacent segment decreased in the LP group but increased in the PF group (-1.4±6.2 vs. 2.6±5.1 degrees, P=0.041). The progression rate was 2.15±1.31 mm/mo in the PF group and 1.53±1.04 mm/mo in the LP group (P=0.041). PF showed an odds ratio of 12.917 for a higher progression rate (95% confidence interval, 1.397-119.443; P=0.024).The rate of progression of cervical OPLL was significantly higher after PF than after LP.Level III-a retrospective analysis.

Background The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of different fixation methods on the physical stress on allospacers, endplate-vertebral body, and implants using finite element model analyses. Methods Stress distribution and subsidence risk according to the fixation methods under the condition of hybrid motion control were analyzed. The detailed finite element model of a previously validated, three-dimensional, intact cervical spinal segment model, with C5–C6 segmental fusion using allospacer, was used to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of different fixation combinations, such as anterior plate/screws, lateral mass screw, and posterior pedicle screw. Findings The load sharing on allospacers increased in extension in order of posterior pedicle screws (21.4%), lateral mass screws (31.5%), and anterior plate/screws (56.6%). lateral mass screw demonstrated the highest load sharing (68.1%) on the allospacer in flexion. The Peak von Mises stress of the allospacer was the lowest in flexion and axial rotation but the highest in extension with anterior plate/screws. Allospacer subsidence risk was the lowest in extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with posterior pedicle screws but the lowest in flexion with anterior plate/screws. The bone-screw loosening risk was the lowest in all modes with posterior pedicle screws but the highest with anterior plate/screws. Interpretation Posterior pedicle screws demonstrated the best mechanical stability of allospacer failure-subsidence and the lowest risk of screw loosening. Different motion restrictions depending on the fixation method should be considered for implant and allospacer safety.

The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological results of SpineJack on the treatment of vertebral body fractures in a continuous prospective series of patients. Between May 2012 and April 2015, all patients operated using the SpineJack device were prospectively included in this monocentric study. Demographic data, clinical, and radiological results were recorded. Complications and surgical managements were recorded. At a mean follow-up of 2.3 years, 74 patients with 77 fractured vertebrae were included. The stand-alone SpineJack group comprised 60 patients with 63 fractured vertebrae (group 1) and the group with additional posterior fixation 14 patients with 14 fractured vertebrae (group 2). The average initial vertebral wedge angle was 13.3 ± 6.1 degrees for group 1 and 15.3 ± 5.7 degrees for group 2 (p = 0.25). Post-operative values were 6.5 ± 4.6 degrees for group 1 and 5.1 ± 3.9 degrees for group 2 (p = 0.31). The differences within the same group were highly significant (p

Transoral microscopic odontoidectomy followed by posterior fixation has been accepted as a standard procedure to treat nonreducible basilar invagination during the half past century. In recent years, the development of endoscopic techniques has raised challenges regarding the traditional treatment algorithm. The endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy is a feasible and effective method in the treatment of irreducible ventral cervicomedullary junction compression, which has several advantages over the transoral approach. The endoscopic odontoidectomy includes transnasal, transoral, and transcervical approaches. The 3 different approaches for endoscopic odontoidectomy present complementary advantages and limitations. The necessity of posterior fixation after odontoidectomy should be considered in every single case on the basis of the peculiar anatomic and clinical conditions.

Posterior fixation of the cervical spine is a common procedure performed for many conditions including trauma, degenerative conditions, deformities, infection, neoplasms, and congenital malformations. Unlike thoracolumbar spine fixation, cervical fixation should consider the risk of vertebral artery injury in addition to the stability of the fixation and spinal cord/nerve root injury. Although lateral mass screw fixation is the most common type of cervical fixation, other options including pedicle screws and translaminar screws could be utilized. Each technique comes with its own advantages and risk of complications to the neural structures, vertebral artery, and fixation failure. However, these risks can be elevated in the elderly population with 1) decreased bone density 2) degenerative changes to the spine and 3) tortuosity of vertebral artery.

Accurate reduction and rigid internal fixation of anterior pelvic ring injuries enhances overall stability of the pelvic ring and augments posterior fixation constructs.Closed reduction techniques can be highly effective for unstable pelvic ring disruptions and are preferable over open reduction met

Background. We did a prospective study to study the efficiency of Short Segment Posterior Instrumentation using a Universal Spine System with incorporation of the fractured vertebra in post-traumatic thoracic and lumbar spine fractures. Material and methods. 25 cases in the age group of I5-50 years with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures were included in the study. The operative decision was made on the basis of instability of spine fractures with or without neurological deficit. Patients were followed up for an average period of twelve months, reporting for assessment at 3-monthly intervals. The final result was analyzed on the basis of neurological recovery as per Frankel’s Grading, spine stability as per kyphotic angle by Cobb’s method, vertebral body height and complications. Results. Post-operatively at the final follow-up visit, 36% patients had Frankel’s grade E neurological status. The mean sagittal plane kyphosis pre-operatively was 31.16°, which reduced to 21.52° post-operatively, which represents 30.93% reduction. Mean anterior body compression was 38.6°, which decreased to 23.4° post-operatively, corresponding to 15% increase. Conclusions. 1. Although conventional short segment posterior fixation (SSPF) has become an increasingly popular method of treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures, providing the advantage of incorporating fewer motion segments in the fixation, a review of literature demonstrated that SSPF led to 9-55% incidence of implant failure and long term loss of kyphosis correction. 2. Short segment posterior fixation with pedicle fixation at the level of the fractured vertebra (short same-segment fixation) provides more biomechanical stability than traditional SSPF.