Objective To review the latest progress in classification system of thoracolumbar fractures and its surgical treatment with posterior approaches. Methods Recent l iterature about classification system of thoracolumbar fractures and its surgical treatment was reviewed. Results For the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture, the surgeon first should decide whether the surgical treatment was necessary. Recently, a new classification system had been developed to help the surgeon make the right decision. The surgical methods included short segment internal fixation and long segment internalfixation with or without fusion, and minimally invasive internal fixation. Conclusion The progress in the surgical treatmentof thoracolumbar fracture will help spinal surgeon decide the necessary surgery beneficial for the patients. The most appropriate and effective surgical method with the minimum damage should be used to treat the fracture. The advantages of non-fusion surgical treatment still need a further study.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of domestic minimally-invasive percutaneous screw system for thoracolumbar fractures without neurological damage. MethodsSixty patients suffering from unstable thoracolumbar fractures without obvious neurologic deficits treated from January 2011 to April 2012 were studied retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups:group A (domestic minimally-invasive percutaneous screw system) and group B (imported minimally-invasive percutaneous screw system). Perioperative parameter, pre-and post-operative imaging indexes, visual analog scale (VAS) and modified MacNab evaluation standard were studied for comparison. ResultsAll the patients were followed up from 6 to 18 months with an average of (12.2±3.0) months. The Cobb's angle and anterior height of the fracture vertebral body changed significantly in each group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in incision size, surgical time, postoperative improvement of Cobb's angle, anterior height of the fracture vertebral body and accuracy of pedicle screw placement between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionDomestic minimally-invasive percutaneous screw system is reliable with minimal invasion, which is comparable to imported minimally-invasive percutaneous screw system.
ObjectiveTo explore the application of different digestive system management strategies in the perioperative period of thoracolumbar fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of the patients with thoracolumbar fractures and pedicle screw fixation in Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different perioperative management strategies of the digestive system, they were divided into two groups. Patients with careful management strategy were included in the observation group, and patients with routine management were included in the control group. The baseline conditions, the abnormalities of digestive tract function at admission and before and after surgery, the postoperative first feeding time, exhaust time, defecation time, the incidence of other postoperative complications except digestive tract complication, length of stay and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. At 6 months after surgery, the fracture healing, loosening or fracture of internal plants were compared between the two groups.ResultA total of 121 patients were included in the study, including 67 cases in the observation group and 54 cases in the control group. There was no significant differences in the baseline conditions between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidences of digestive system dysfunction at admission (P>0.05). The incidences of digestive system dysfunction in the observation group before and after surgery were lower than those in the control group (29.9% vs. 53.7%, P<0.05; 35.8% vs. 61.1%, P<0.05). The first eating time [(3.7±1.1) vs. (6.7±2.6) h], exhaust time [(7.8±2.3) vs. (13.6±4.2) h], defecation time [(26.7±8.1) vs. (40.9±11.2) h] and length of stay [(6.5±2.4) vs. (9.0±2.7) d] in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.005), and the patients’ satisfaction was better than that of the control group (8.3±1.1 vs. 7.6±1.3; t=−3.208, P=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications except digestive tract complication, and the fracture healing rate, the incidence of nail-rod breakage at6 months after surgery between the two groups (P>0.05). No internal plant loosening was found in the two groups of patients within 6 months after surgery.ConclusionThe application of the careful digestive system management strategy in patients with thoracolumbar fractures can help reduce the incidence of perioperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, promote the recovery of perioperative gastrointestinal function, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve patient satisfaction.
A new method of anterior decompression for thoracolumbar fractures with paralysi s in six cases was reported. In a follw-up of one to five months, was shown that the neurological functions in all six cases has improved ⅡⅢ rank in Frankl classification. The author believe that the method has the following advantages, such as: less trauma from operation; the level and the limit of decompression could be made without Xray during the operation; usually only 1/5 to 1/4 of the vertebral body was excised so that the stability of the spine was not disturbed, and the obvious favourable results.
Objective To study the feasibil ity and rel iabil ity of the multi-plannar reformation (MPR) of multispiral CT (MSCT) in measuring the kyphosis angle (KA) after thoracolumbar fracture. Methods From December 2007 to December 2009, 45 thoracolumbar fracture patients who underwent computed radiology (CR) and MSCT were recruited. There were 32 males and 13 females with a mean age of 48 years (range, 24-63 years), including 36 simple compression fractures and 9 burst fractures. The fracture locations were T11 in 6 cases , T12 in 11 cases, L1 in 20 cases, and L2 in 8 cases. Fracture was caused by trafffic accident in 25 cases, by fall ing from height in 12 cases, and by others in 8 cases. The imaging examination was performed after 2 hours to 7 days of injury in 22 cases and after more than 7 days in 23 cases. The KA was measured on the lateral X-ray films of CR and MPR by two observers, then the measurements were done again after three weeks. The data were statistically analyzed. Results The average KA values on CR by two observers were (20.75 ± 8.31)° and (22.49 ± 9.07)°, respectively; showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05), and the correlation was good (r=0.882, P lt; 0.05). The average KA values on MPR by two observers were (16.65 ± 8.62)° and (17.08 ± 7.88)°, respectively, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05), the correlation was excellent (r=0.976, P lt; 0.05). The average KA values on CR and MPR were (21.61 ± 8.43)° and (16.87 ± 8.20)°, respectively; showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05), the correlation was good (r=0.852, P lt; 0.05). Conclusion It is more feasible and rel iable in measuring the KA on MRP of MSCT than CR, but the value is larger on CR.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in anterior approach surgery for thoracolumbar fractures.MethodsFrom January 2017 to January 2020, a total of 68 thoracolumbar fracture patients undergoing anterior approach surgery were included and randomly divided into TXA group (n=33) and control group (n=35). Patients in the TXA group were given a dose of 15 mg/kg of TXA by intravenous infusion during 30 min before skin incision and an additional 15 mg/kg of TXA intravenously at 8 h after the first infusion, while the ones in the control group were given 15 mg/kg of normal saline at the same time. Basic data of the patients were collected. The hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, coagulation and fibrinolysis indexes of the patients were monitored preoperatively, 24-hour postoperatively, and 72-hour postoperatively. The intraoperative blood loss and wound drainage of the patients were recorded. The incidence of blood transfusion and thrombotic events were collected. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, operation time, fracture location distribution, anesthesia classification of American Society of Anesthesiologists, neurologic grade of American Spinal Injury Association, injury time, or length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the total blood loss [(1 398.49±312.24) vs. (1 642.30±357.78) mL, P=0.003], intraoperative blood loss [(432.83±74.76) vs. (486.31±86.51) mL, P=0.008], and wound drainage [(276.73±89.42) vs. (389.24±125.71) mL, P<0.001] in the TXA group reduced. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the preoperative hemoglobin or hematocrit (P>0.05), but the 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin concentration [(112.67±20.59) vs. (102.64±19.41) g/L, P=0.042] and hematocrit [(32.25±4.12)% vs. (30.13±4.28)%, P=0.042] in the TXA group were higher than those in the control group. The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion in the TXA group was lower than that in the control group (6.1% vs. 25.7%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative, 24-hour postoperative, or 72-hour postoperative prothrombin time, international standardized ratio, activated partial prothrombin time, platelet count, fibrinogen, d-dimer, or fibrinogen degradation products between the two groups (P>0.05), and no thrombotic complications were found.ConclusionTXA has good efficacy and safety in the anterior approach surgery for thoracolumbar fractures.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of long- and short-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fracture. Methods Between January 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with AO type B thoracolumbar fracture underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation. Of 58 patients, 36 received short-segment pedicle fixation (1 upper and 1 lower vertebral bodies of the fractured vertebral body) in group A, and 22 received long-segment pedicle fixation (2 upper and 2 lower vertebral bodies of the fractured vertebral body) in group B. There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury cause, fracture site, preoperative Frankel grade, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, complication, anterior vertebra compression rate (AVCR), and Cobb angle were compared between 2 groups. Frankel grade was used to evaluate the neurological function. Results The operation time and blood loss of group B were significantly higher than those of group A (P lt; 0.05). All incisions obtained primary healing. The patients were followed up 17.2 months on average (range, 12-32 months). No complication occurred in the other patients except 1 case having internal fixation failure and 1 case having aggravated kyphosis deformity in group A. The neurological function recovered in a certain degree; Frankel grade at 3 months was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (P lt; 0.05) in 2 groups, but no significant difference was found between 2 groups (Z=0.09, P=0.36). The AVCR and Cobb angle were significantly lower in 2 groups at immediately after operation and last follow-up than those before operation (P lt; 0.05). The correction rates of AVCR and Cobb angle in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P lt; 0.05); whereas the correction losses of AVCR and Cobb angle in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Long-segment pedicle screw fixation is better than short-segment pedicle screw fixation in the correction of kyphosis and recovery of vertebra body height, especially in the prevention of correction loss in long-term follow-up although it will increase the blood loss and operation time.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous monoplanar screw internal fixation via injured vertebrae for treatment of thoracolumbar fracture.MethodsBetween May 2015 and August 2017, 38 cases of thoracolumbar fractures without neurological symptom were treated with percutaneous monoplanar screw internal fixation via injured vertebrae. There were 22 males and 16 females, aged 25-52 years (mean, 32.5 years). There were 23 cases of AO type A3 and 15 cases of AO type A4. The injured vertebrae located at T11 in 4 cases, T12 in 9 cases, L1 in 11 cases, L2 in 10 cases, L3 in 3 cases, and L4 in 1 case. The mean interval between injury and operation was 4.5 days (range, 3-7 days). The pre- and post-operative degrees of lumbodorsal pain were estimated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The X-ray film, CT three-dimensional reconstruction, and MRI were performed, and the ratio of anterior vertebral body height and sagittal Cobb angle were measured to assess the kyphosis of the fractured area.ResultsAll operations in 38 patients successfully completed without complications such as dural sac, nerve root, or vascular injury. The operation time was (56.2±3.7) minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was (42.3±3.5) mL. All incisions healed by first intention without redness, swelling, or exudation. All patients were followed up 17-33 months, with an average of 21.5 months. The VAS score at each time point after operation significantly improved when compared with that before operation (P<0.05), and significantly improved at 3 months and last follow-up when compared with that at 1 week (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between 3 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no internal fixator loosening, breakage, or delayed kyphosis in all patients. The ratio of anterior vertebral body height and sagittal Cobb angle significantly improved postoperatively (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between the different time points after operation (P>0.05).ConclusionPercutaneous monoplanar screw internal fixation via injured vertebrae is an easy approach to treat thoracolumbar fracture without neurological symptom, which can effectively restore vertebral body height and correct kyphosis, and avoid long-term segmental kyphosis.
Objective To study the effectiveness of transpedicular intervertebral bone graft and pedicle screws fixation in injured vertebrae for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Methods Between February 2007 and January 2009, 25 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated by posterior short-segment fixation combined with transpedicular intervertabral bone graft and pedicle screw fixation in injured vertebrae. There were 18 males and 7 females with a mean ageof 46 years (range, 28-63 years). The injured vertebrae were located at T10 in 1 case, T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 8 cases, L1 in 6 cases, L2 in 6 cases, L3 in 1 case, and L4 in 1 case. According to Denis classification, there were 14 cases of burst fractures and 11 cases of compression fractures. Based on Frankel classifications, 2 cases were rated as grade A, 4 cases as grade B, 8 cases as grade C, 7 cases as grade D, and 4 cases as grade E. The time between injury and operation was 6 hours to 7 days (mean, 4.6 days). The X-ray film was taken to measure the relative height of fractured vertebrae and Cobb angle, and Frankel classification was conducted to evaluate the function recovery of the spinal cord. Results The operations were performed successfully, and incisions healed primarily. All the patients were followed up 12-25 months (mean, 16 months). CT and X-ray films showed good bone graft heal ing and no loosening or breakage of screws and rods. The relative height of fractured vertebrae were 56.8% ± 15.6% at preoperation, 91.2% ± 10.7% immediately after operation, and 89.6% ± 10.3% at 1 year after operation, showing significant differences between preoperation and postoperation (P lt; 0.01), while no significant difference between immediately after operation and 1 year after operation. The Cobb angles were (18.2 ± 2.6), (7.5 ± 1.4), and (8.7 ± 1.1)°, respectively, showing significant differences between preoperation and postoperation (P lt; 0.01), while no significant difference between immediately and 1 year after operation. At 1 year after operation, the neural function in 16 cases was improved 1-3 grades. ConclusionTreatment of thoracolumbar fractures with transpedicular intervertebral bone graft and pedicle screw fixation in injuredvertebrae has satisfactory effectiveness, which can reconstruct vertebral body height, increase the stabil ity of anterior and middle
Objective To develop a deep learning system for CT images to assist in the diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures and analyze the feasibility of its clinical application. Methods Collected from West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2019 to March 2020, a total of 1256 CT images of thoracolumbar fractures were annotated with a unified standard through the Imaging LabelImg system. All CT images were classified according to the AO Spine thoracolumbar spine injury classification. The deep learning system in diagnosing ABC fracture types was optimized using 1039 CT images for training and validation, of which 1004 were used as the training set and 35 as the validation set; the rest 217 CT images were used as the test set to compare the deep learning system with the clinician’s diagnosis. The deep learning system in subtyping A was optimized using 581 CT images for training and validation, of which 556 were used as the training set and 25 as the validation set; the rest 104 CT images were used as the test set to compare the deep learning system with the clinician’s diagnosis. Results The accuracy and Kappa coefficient of the deep learning system in diagnosing ABC fracture types were 89.4% and 0.849 (P<0.001), respectively. The accuracy and Kappa coefficient of subtyping A were 87.5% and 0.817 (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions The classification accuracy of the deep learning system for thoracolumbar fractures is high. This approach can be used to assist in the intelligent diagnosis of CT images of thoracolumbar fractures and improve the current manual and complex diagnostic process.