Objective To investigate the effects of different puncture levels on bone cement distribution and effectiveness in bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Methods A clinical data of 274 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures who met the selection criteria between December 2017 and December 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty. During operation, the final position of the puncture needle tip reached was observed by C-arm X-ray machine. And 118 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at the same level (group A); 156 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at different levels (group B), of which 87 cases were at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer respectively (group B1), and 69 cases were at the adjacent levels (group B2). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture segment, degree of osteoporosis, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). The operation time, bone cement injection volume, postoperative VAS score, ODI, and bone cement distribution were compared among the groups. Results All operations were successfully completed without pulmonary embolism, needle tract infection, or nerve compression caused by bone cement leakage. There was no significant difference in operation time and bone cement injection volume between groups A and B or among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 3-32 months, with an average of 7.8 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). At 3 days after operation and last follow-up, VAS score and ODI were significantly lower in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). Imaging review showed that the distribution of bone cement in the coronal midline of injured vertebrae was significantly better in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). In group A, 7 cases had postoperative vertebral collapse and 8 cases had other vertebral fractures. In group B, only 1 case had postoperative vertebral collapse during follow-up. ConclusionBilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures can obtain good bone cement distribution and effectiveness when the puncture needle tips locate at different levels during operation. When the puncture needle tips locate at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer of the vertebral body, respectively, the puncture sites are closer to the upper and lower endplates, and the injected bone cement is easier to connect with the upper and lower endplates.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) assisted with anterior column reconstruction in the treatment of chronic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MethodsBetween January 2008 and October 2014, 11 cases of chronic OVCF were treated. There were 2 males and 9 females, aged 65-76 years (mean, 72.3 years). The vertebral compression fracture segment involved T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 2 cases, L1 in 4 cases, L2 in 2 cases, and L3 in 1 case. At preoperation, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 31.1±10.2; kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae was (36.5±10.2)° on the lateral X-ray films of the spine; and distance between C7 plumb vertical line (C7 PL) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of the S1 superior border was (5.2±2.5) cm. Six cases had spinal cord injury (SCI), including 4 cases of Frankel grade C and 2 cases of grade D. At last follow-up, ODI score, kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae, and distance between C7 PL and SVA were recorded and compared with preoperative values. Postoperative Frankle scores were recorded in SCI cases. X-ray film and CT scan were taken to evaluate bone fusion at 12 months after operation. ResultsThe operation was completed successfully without serious complications. Nerve root radiation symptoms occurred in 2 cases undergoing lumbar PSO, which was relieved after conservative treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 1 case and was cured after 2 weeks. All cases were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 15.6 months). No internal fixation failure or pseudarthrosis was found postoperatively.Screw loosening was found in 1 case (2 screws of the upper level) and titanium Cage cutting vertebral body was found in 1 case. Bone fusion was obtained in all cases at 12 months after operation. At last follow-up, ODI score was significantly improved to 13.7±5.7(t=4.417, P=0.018), kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae to (7.0±15.2)° (t=5.113, P=0.009), and the distance between C7 PL and SVA to (2.8±2.2) cm (t=3.285, P=0.032). In 6 SCI cases, Frankle grade was recovered to E (1 case), to D (1 case), and no improvement (2 cases) from C, and to E from D (2 cases). ConclusionPSO assisted anterior column reconstruction was an effective method in treatment of chronic OVCF.
Objective To investigate the biomechanical influence ofvertebroplasty using autosolidification calcium phosphate cement (CPC) on thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures. Methods Four cadaver specimens with osteoporosiswere applied to make spine unit. There were 2 females and 2 males, whose average age was 69 years.All underwent flexion-axial loading to result in vertebral body fracture. Following reduction, the middle fractured vertebral body were strengthened by the method of vertebroplasty, using CPC. Before fracture and after vertebroplasty, all were conducted biomechanical test. Results After being packed- CPC to the space in the fractured vertebral body, the strength andstiffness in vertebroplastic group (2 285±34 N，427±10 N/mm) were significantly higher than that in osteoporotic group (1 954±46 N，349±18 N/mm) (Plt;0.05). The vertebral height changing in vertebroplastic group(5.35±0.60 mm) were significantly lower than that in osteoporotic group (5.60±0.70 mm) (Plt;0.05). And the fractured body increases its strength and stiffnessby 16.92% and 22.31% respectively in comparison with its initial situation. Conclusion After being injected CPC into bone trabecular interspaces, the fractured vertebral bodies can restore its strength and stiffness markedly.
Objective To research the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) by improved injecting tube through unipedicular puncturing. Methods Between January 2012 and Junuary 2016, 60 cases (68 vertebrae) of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) were treated. PKP was performed through unipedicular puncturing with routine injecting tube in 30 cases (34 vertebrae, routine group), and with improved injecting tube in 30 cases (34 vertebrae, improved group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, fracture level, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), or vertebral height between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, the volume of bone cement injected, preoperative and postoperative VAS, and preoperative and postoperative vertebral height, and postoperative distribution coefficient of bone cement were recorded and compared between 2 groups. Results Good healing of puncture points was achieved in 2 groups after PKP, and no serious complication occurred. There was no significant difference in operation time and the volum of bone cement injected between 2 groups (t=0.851,P=0.399;t=1.672,P=0.101). Bone cement leakage was observed in 2 cases of 2 groups respectively. The distribution coefficient of bone cement in routine group was significantly less than that in improved group (t=13.049,P=0.000). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19 months). The postoperative VAS and vertebral height were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in VAS between at 2 days after operation and at last follow-up, in vertebral height between at 2 days after operation and at 1 year after operation, and between 2 groups after operation (P>0.05). X-ray films showed vertebral compression fractures in 6 cases of routine group and in 1 case of improved group during follow-up. Conclusion PKP by improved injecting tube through unipedicular puncturing can improve the distribution of bone cement, restore the height and strength of vertebral body, and reduce the incidence of re-fracture.
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are common in elderly patients with reduced bone density. Pain and loss of function after fractures have a serious impact on the patient's activities of daily living and quality of life. Management of patients with early OVCFs who choose non-surgical treatment is necessary to prevent complications, relieve pain, and improve functional status. This paper focuses on the development of OVCFs non-surgical management in many aspects, which may provide reference for the rapid recovery of OVCFs patients in the process of non-surgical management.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-guided percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of multi-segmental thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).MethodsA clinical data of 63 cases with multi-segmental thoracolumbar OVCF without neurologic deficit treated with PKP between October 2017 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into robot-guided group (33 cases) and traditional fluoroscopy group (30 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture segment, bone mineral density, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The time to establish the tunnel, the times of fluoroscopy, the dose of fluoroscopy, the deviation of puncture, the distribution of bone cement, the leakage of bone cement, the puncture angle, and the postoperative VAS score, midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle were recorded and compared.ResultsThe patients in two groups were followed up 11-13 months (mean, 12 months). Compared with traditional fluoroscopy group, the time to establish the tunnel, the times and dose of fluoroscopy in robot-guided group were significantly lower, the deviation of puncture was slighter, the distribution of bone cement was better, and the puncture angle was larger, the differences between the two groups were significant (P<0.05). There were 8 segments (9.3%, 8/86) of bone leakage in robot-guided group and 17 segments (22.6%, 17/75) in traditional fluoroscopy group, the difference between the two groups was significant (χ2=5.455, P=0.020). There was no significant difference in VAS score, the midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle between the two groups at 2 days after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05).ConclusionRobot-guided PKP in treatment of multi-segmental thoracolumbar OVCF can shorten the operation time, improve the accuracy of puncture, reduce the times and dose of fluoroscopy, reduce the leakage of bone cement, and achieve better cement distribution.
Objective To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). MethodsThe clinical and imaging data of 681 patients with thoracolumbar OVCF treated with PVP between January 2017 and December 2021 were collected. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patients with thoracolumbar OVCF in single center were summarized from the aspects of demographic distribution (mainly including gender, age), fracture characteristic analysis [including pathological segments, bone mineral density, and body mass index (BMI)], and operation related results (including the distribution of unilateral and bilateral puncture and bone cement injection, postoperative effectiveness analysis and refracture). ResultsOf the 681 patients, 134 (19.68%) were male and 547 (80.32%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶4.08. The age ranged from 53 to 105 years, with an average of 75.3 years. The age group of 60-90 years old had the largest number of patients (91.04%); the high incidence age group of men was 70-90 years old (13.95%), and that of women was 60-80 years old (72.98%). A total of 836 vertebrae were involved, and the morbidity of thoracolumbar vertebrae (T11-L1) was the highest (56.34%, 471/836). The main type of fracture was compression fracture (92.58%, 774/836) and Kümmell disease (7.42%, 62/836). There were 489 cases (71.81%) of osteoporosis, including 66 males and 423 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶6.42. There was significant difference in distribution of bone mineral density between male and female groups (Z=–5.810, P<0.001). BMI showed 206 cases (30.25%) of underweight, 347 (50.95%) cases of normal, 58 cases (8.52%) of overweight, 42 cases (6.17%) of obese, and 28 cases (4.11%) of extremely obese. The difference in BMI distribution between male and female groups was significant (Z=–2.220, P=0.026). Of 836 vertebral bodies, 472 (56.46%) were punctured unilaterally and 364 (43.54%) bilaterally. Most of the vertebral bodies (49.88%, 417/836) were injected with 5.0-6.9 mL bone cement, and most of them were distributed in thoracolumbar and lumbar vertebral bodies (T11-L3). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) of patients with unilateral puncture and bilateral puncture significantly improved at 6 months after operation (P<0.001), and also the difference was significant between the two groups in the difference of pre- and post-operation (P<0.001). There were 628 cases (92.22%) with the first occurrence of OVCF, and 53 cases (7.78%) with two or more times of OVCF, all of which were female patients, and 26 cases (49.06%) occurred in the adjacent segment of the previous PVP operation. ConclusionFemale were more than male in OVCF patients. Thoracolumbar vertebral body has the highest morbidity. Patients with low BMI are more likely to have osteoporosis, and patients with high BMI have a higher risk of compression fracture. The amount of bone cement injected through bilateral puncture was greater than that through unilateral puncture.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of synchronous unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of double noncontiguous thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MethodsBetween December 2018 and September 2020, 27 patients with double noncontiguous thoracolumbar OVCF were treated by synchronous unilateral PKP. There were 11 males and 16 females, with an average age of 75.4 years (range, 66-92 years). The fractures were caused by falls in 22 cases and sprains in 5 cases. The time from injury to hospital admission was 0.5-7.0 days, with an average of 2.1 days. The fractured vertebrae located at T9 in 2 cases, T10 in 3 cases, T11 in 10 cases, T12 in 15 cases, L1 in 12 cases, L2 in 6 cases, L3 in 4 cases, and L4 in 2 cases. The volume of bone cement injected into each vertebral body, operation time, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times were recorded. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of thoracolumbar spine were taken to observe the anterior height of the injured vertebra, the Cobb angle of kyphosis, and the diffusion and good distribution rate of bone cement in the thoracolumbar spine. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the pain and functional improvement. ResultsAll operations completed successfully. The operation time was 34-70 minutes, with an average of 45.4 minutes. The intraoperative fluoroscopy was 21- 60 times, with an average of 38.6 times. The volume of bone cement injected into each vertebral body was 2-9 mL, with an average of 4.3 mL. All patients were followed up 6-21 months, with an average of 11.3 months. X-ray film reexamination showed that the anterior height of the injured vertebra and Cobb angle at each time point after operation were significantly improved than those before operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between different time points after operation (P>0.05). The distribution of bone cement was excellent in 40 vertebral bodies, good in 13 vertebral bodies, and poor in 1 vertebral body, and the excellent and good rate was 98.1% (53/54). The pain of all patients significantly relieved or disappeared, and the function improved. The VAS score and ODI at each time point after operation were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between different time points after operation (P>0.05).ConclusionFor the double noncontiguous thoracolumbar OVCF, the synchronous unilateral PKP has the advantages of simple puncture, less trauma, less intraoperative fluoroscopy, shorter operation time, satisfactory distribution of bone cement, etc. It can restore the height of the vertebral body, correct the kyphotic angle, significantly alleviate the pain, and improve the function.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of orthopedic robot with modified tracer fixation (short for modified orthopedic robot) assisted percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of single-segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods The clinical data of 155 patients with single-segment OVCF who were admitted between December 2017 and January 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. According to the operation methods, the patients were divided into robot group (87 cases, PKP assisted by modified orthopedic robot) and C-arm group (68 cases, PKP assisted by C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, T value of bone mineral density, therapeutic segment, grade of vertebral compression fracture, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, midline vertebral height, and Cobb angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The effectiveness evaluation indexes of the two groups were collected and compared. The clinical evaluation indexes included the establishment time of working channel, dose of intraoperative fluoroscopy, the amount of injected cement, VAS score before and after operation, and the occurrence of complications. The imaging evaluation indexes included the degree of puncture deviation, the degree of bone cement diffusion, the leakage of bone cement, the midline vertebral height and the Cobb angle before and after operation. Results The establishment time of working channel in robot group was significantly shorter than that in C-arm group, and the dose of intraoperative fluoroscopy was significantly larger than that in C-arm group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the amount of injected cement between the two groups (t=1.149, P=0.252). The patients in two groups were followed up 10-14 months (mean, 12 months). Except that the intraoperative VAS score of the robot group was significantly better than that of the C-arm group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). No severe complication such as infection, spinal cord or nerve injury, and pulmonary embolism occurred in the two groups. Five cases (5.7%) in robot group and 7 cases (10.2%) in C-arm group had adjacent segment fracture, and the difference in incidence of adjacent segment fracture between the two groups was not significant (χ2=1.105, P=0.293). Compared with C-arm group, the deviation of puncture and the diffusion of bone cement at 1 day after operation, the midline vertebral height and Cobb angle at 1 month after operation and last follow-up were significantly better in robot group (P<0.05). Eight cases (9.1%) in the robot group and 16 cases (23.5%) in the C-arm group had cement leakage, and the incidence of cement leakage in the robot group was significantly lower than that in the C-arm group (χ2=5.993, P=0.014). There was no intraspinal leakage in the two groups. ConclusionCompared with traditional PKP assisted by C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy, modified orthopedic robot-assisted PKP in the treatment of single-segment OVCF can significantly reduce intraoperative pain, shorten the establishment time of working channel, and improve the satisfaction of patients with operation. It has great advantages in reducing the deviation of puncture and improving the diffusion of bone cement.
Objective To summarize the research progress of secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Methods Recent literature concerning PVP and PKP was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results The main reasons of secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after PVP and PKP are the natural process of osteoporosis, the initial fracture type, the bone cement, the surgical approach, the bone mineral density, and other factors. Conclusion Secondary fracture of adjacent vertebral body after PVP and PKP is a challenge for the clinician, a variety of factors need to be suficiently considered and be confirmed by a lot of basic and clinical epidemiological studies.