Spinal Fractures
Conditions
Brief summary
Although long-segment posterior spinal fixation might provide more rigid fixation, the procedure increases perioperative morbidities in the elderly. The present study reviews the results of short-segment decompression and reconstruction in thoracolumbar fragile fractures.
Detailed description
This study included 20 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological compromise. The participants were followed-up for a period of 40.6 (24-68) months. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to measure back pain and disability. Radiologic assessment and neurological status were also analyzed.
Interventions
PROCEDUREshort segment fixation
posterior short-segment decompression and reconstruction (instrumentation on 1 level above and 1 level below the fractured vertebrae with posterolateral fusion)
Sponsors
National Cheng-Kung University Hospital
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* osteoporotic burst fracture at a single level of the thoracolumbar region * dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and T-score value less than -2.5
Exclusion criteria
* translational displacement at the fracture site (fracture-dislocation) * loss of structural integrity within the posterior osteoligamentous complex (such as flexion-distraction ligament disruption) * spondylolisthesis of the adjacent vertebrae * malignancy * chronic steroid administration * previous spinal surgery * prior vertebroplasty and infection
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) | at least 2 years | Functional outcome after surgery was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frankel's grade system | at least 2 years | Frankel's grade system was used for assessment of neurologic function |
| Local kyphosis and vertebral wedge angle were measured as radiologic assessment (units of measure: degree) | at least 2 years | Digital radiographs of the vertebral bodies were reviewed using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). |
| anterior vertebral height | at least 2 years | Measurements of the anterior vertebral height (AVH) ratio (% of normal) |
Outcome results
None listed