Nonoperative Management in Neurologically Intact Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The identification of factors that lead to the failure of nonoperative management in neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBF) can be controversial, particularly in the neurologically intact. Surgery for intact burst fractures has been advocated for early mobilization and a shorter hospital stay. These goals, however, have not always been achieved, rejuvenating an interest in nonoperative treatment. METHODS: Sixty-eight neurologically intact patients with burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2), and a thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS) of 2, were treated at our institution. Based on CT scans, patients were scored based on the load-sharing classification (LSC) scale. Initial treatment consisted of bracing in clamshell thoracolumbar orthosis and gradual mobilization. RESULTS: Owing to pain limiting mobilization, 18 patients failed nonoperative management and required instrumentation. Those who failed nonsurgical management were significantly more kyphotic (8° ± 10) and stenotic (52% ± 14%) than those successfully treated nonoperatively (3° ± 7 and 63 ± 12%, respectively). The LSC score of those undergoing surgery (6.9 ± 1.1) was also greater than those successfully treated nonoperatively (5.8 ± 1.3, P = 0.006). Length of hospitalization was longer, and hospital charges higher in those requiring surgery compared to the nonoperative group. At follow-up there was no difference between groups in the visual analog score for pain (VAS) or the Oswestry disability index. CONCLUSION: Owing to pain limiting mobilization, a quarter of neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and a TLICS score of 2 failed nonsurgical management. The greater the kyphosis, stenosis, and fragmentation of the fracture, the more likely patients required surgery. In addition to the TLICS classification, other radiographic and clinical parameters should be included in selecting appropriate treatment strategy. The cost savings with nonoperative treatment of intact burst fractures, when appropriate, are significant

Management of acute combined fractures of the atlas and axis: A retrospective study of two trauma centers

Background: Management of combination fractures of the atlas and axis varies from nonoperative immobilization to selective early surgical intervention. In this study, we present our experience in managing these injuries. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases from two level 1 trauma centers were queried to identify all patients diagnosed with C1-C2 combination fractures from 2009 to present. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment modality, complications, Frankel scores, and fusion status were collected. Patients were separated into operative and nonoperative cohorts, and comparisons were made between the two groups. Results: Forty-eight patients were included, of which 19 received operative management and 29 were treated nonoperatively. The mean age was 76.1 and 75.3 years, respectively (P = 0.877). Frankel grade distribution was similar on presentation in both groups, with most being neurologically intact. C1 fractures of both the anterior and posterior arch were present in 41.2% patients undergoing fusions compared to 27.6% of patients treated nonoperatively. No significant differences in comorbidities, neurologic deficits, or radiographic measurements were observed across the two groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the variety of treatment strategies used for the management of combined C1-C2 fractures. Patients managed operatively tend to have both anterior and posterior C1 arch fractures, while patients managed nonoperatively tend to have either anterior or posterior arch fractures. In general, treatments should be tailored to patients' needs depending on the stability of the fractures, neurological state, and medical comorbidities

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Thoracic Stenosis with Myelopathy. A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Identify risk factors predisposing to thoracic spinal stenosis and myelopathy (TS) and address treatment options and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of our center\u27s experience with TS over 10 years. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, surgical intervention and outcomes using Frankel and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scales were collected. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients with TS were identified. There were 30 men and 14 women with a mean age±SD of 66±15years. Neurological performance was evaluated using the Frankel scale (A-E or 1-5), and JOA scale for myelopathy (0-11). Frankel scores (1-5) and JOA scores (0-11) on admission were 3.5±0.9 and 6.8±2.6 respectively. At follow-up, Frankel scores had improved to 4.1±0.8 (p=0.041) and JOA scores had improved to 8.3±2.4 (p=0.021). The presence on admission of increased signal from the cord on T2-weighted MRI was associated with lower Frankel and JOA scores (3.3±0.9, and 6.2±2.5 respectively) than in those with absent increased signal (4.0±0.4 and 8.6±2.1, p=0.02 and p=0.008 respectively). There were 4 complications, requiring exploration and debridement for dehiscence in 3 and an epidural hematoma in the fourth that necessitated evacuation, with a good outcome. A fifth patient underwent reoperation at the same level 18 months later for persistent stenosis. CONCLUSION: Thoracic stenosis with myelopathy should be entertained in patients with myelopathy. Over half of our patients with TS were over the age of 70, and men outnumbered women by a ratio of 2:1. Nearly half the patients with TS had concomitant cervical and/or lumbar degenerative disease warranting surgery also. Increased signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI images correlated with lower Frankel and JOA scores compared to those without. Decompression for thoracic stenosis is associated with neurological improvement

Comparison of hinged and contoured rods for occipitocervical arthrodesis in adults: A clinical study

Introduction: A rigid construct that employs an occipital plate and upper cervical screws and rods is the current standard treatment for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability. A rod is contoured to accommodate the occipitocervical angle. Fatigue failure has been associated these acute bends. Hinged rod systems have been developed to obviate intraoperative rod contouring. Object: The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the hinged rod system in occipitocervical fusion. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 39 patients who underwent occipitocervical arthrodesis. Twenty patients were treated with hinged rods versus 19 with contoured rods. Clinical and radiographic data were compared and analyzed. Results: Preoperative and postoperative Nurick and Frankel scores were similar between both groups. The use of allograft, autograft or bone morphogenetic protein was similar in both groups. The average number of levels fused was 4.1 (±2.4) and 3.4 (±2) for hinged and contoured rods, respectively. The operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay were similar between both groups. The occiput to C2 angle was similarly maintained in both groups and all patients demonstrated no movement across the CVJ on flexion-extension X-rays during their last follow-up. The average follow-up for the hinged and contoured rod groups was 12.2 months and 15.9 months, respectively. Conclusion: Hinged rods provide a safe and effective alternative to contoured rods during occipitocervical arthrodesis