SPINE20 recommendations 2023: One Earth, one family, one future WITHOUT spine DISABILITY.

Introduction: The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY". Research question: Not applicable. Material and methods: Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels. Results: Seven recommendations were delivered to the G20 countries calling them to:-establish, prioritize and implement accessible National Spine Care Programs to improve spine care and health outcomes.-eliminate structural barriers to accessing timely rehabilitation for spinal disorders to reduce poverty.-implement cost-effective, evidence-based practice for digital transformation in spine care, to deliver self-management and prevention, evaluate practice and measure outcomes.-monitor and reduce safety lapses in primary care including missed diagnoses of serious spine pathologies and risk factors for spinal disability and chronicity.-develop, implement and evaluate standardization processes for spine care delivery systems tailored to individual and population health needs.-ensure accessible and affordable quality care to persons with spine disorders, injuries and related disabilities throughout the lifespan.-promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation) to improve spine wellness and health. Discussion and conclusion: SPINE20 proposes that focusing on the recommendations would facilitate equitable access to health systems, affordable spine care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce, and education of persons with spine disorders, which will contribute to reducing spine disability, associated poverty, and increase productivity of the G20 nations.

SPINE20 recommendations 2022: spine care-working together to recover stronger.

PURPOSE: Globally, spine disorders are the leading cause of disability, affecting more than half a billion individuals. However, less than 50% of G20 countries specifically identify spine health within their public policy priorities. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among policy makers of the disabling effect of spine disorders and their impact on the economic welfare of G20 nations. In 2019, SPINE20 was established as the leading advocacy group to bring global attention to spine disorders. METHODS: Recommendations were developed through two Delphi methods with international and multi-professional panels. RESULTS: In 2022, seven recommendations were delivered to the leaders of G20 countries, urging them to: Develop action plans to provide universal access to evidence-based spine care that incorporates the needs of minorities and vulnerable populations. Invest in the development of sustainable human resource capacity, through multisectoral and inter-professional competency-based education and training to promote evidence-based approaches to spine care, and to build an appropriate healthcare working environment that optimizes the delivery of safe health services. Develop policies using the best available evidence to properly manage spine disorders and to prolong functional healthy life expectancy in the era of an aging population. Create a competent workforce and improve the healthcare infrastructure/facilities including equipment to provide evidence-based inter-professional rehabilitation services to patients with spinal cord injury throughout their continuum of care. Build collaborative and innovative translational research capacity within national, regional, and global healthcare systems for state-of-the-art and cost-effective spine care across the healthcare continuum ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion of all stakeholders. Develop international consensus statements on patient outcomes and how they can be used to define and develop pathways for value-based care. Recognize that intervening on determinants of health including physical activity, nutrition, physical and psychosocial workplace environment, and smoking-free lifestyle can reduce the burden of spine disabilities and improve the health status and wellness of the population. At the third SPINE20 summit 2022 which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2022, 17 associations endorsed its recommendations. CONCLUSION: SPINE20 advocacy efforts focus on developing public policy recommendations to improve the health, welfare, and wellness of all who suffer from spinal pain and disability. We propose that focusing on facilitating access to systems that prioritize value-based care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce will reduce disability and improve the productivity of the G20 nations.

SPINE20 recommendations 2021: spine care for people's health and prosperity.

PURPOSE: The focus of SPINE20 is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations for the G20 countries to work with governments to reduce the burden of spine disease, and disability. METHODS: On September 17-18, 2021, SPINE20 held its annual meeting in Rome, Italy. Prior to the meeting, the SPINE20 created six proposed recommendations. These recommendations were uploaded to the SPINE20 website 10 days before the meeting and opened to the public for comments. The recommendations were discussed at the meeting allowing the participants to object and provide comments. RESULTS: In total, 27 societies endorsed the following recommendations. SPINE20 calls upon the G20 countries: (1) to expand telehealth for the access to spine care, especially in light of the current situation with COVID-19. (2) To adopt value-based interprofessional spine care as an approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce disability. (3) To facilitate access and invest in the development of a competent rehabilitation workforce to reduce the burden of disability related to spine disorders. (4) To adopt a strategy to promote daily physical activity and exercises among the elderly population to maintain an active and independent life with a healthy spine, particularly after COVID-19 pandemic. (5) To engage in capacity building with emerging countries and underserved communities for the benefit of spine patients. (6) To promote strategies to transfer evidence-based advances into patient benefit through effective implementation processes. CONCLUSIONS: SPINE20's initiatives will make governments and decision makers aware of efforts to reduce needless suffering from disabling spine pain through education that can be instituted across the globe.

Multicenter evaluation of therapeutic strategies of inpatients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Germany.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess therapeutic strategies of inpatients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (OTF) in Germany. METHODS: Prospective multi-center study including 16 German-speaking trauma centers over a period of 7 months. All inpatients with OTF were included. Radiological and clinical data on admission and treatment modalities were assessed. RESULTS: Seven hundred and seven (99.3%) out of 712 included patients (73.3% female) could be evaluated. Mean age was 75 years (30-103). 51.3% could not remember any traumatic incident. Fracture distribution was from T2 to L5 with L1 (19%) most commonly affected. According to the Magerl classification type A1 (52.1%) and A3 (42.7%) were most common. B and C type injuries (2.6%) and neurological deficits (3.1%) were rare. Previous progression of vertebral deformation was evident in 34.4% of patients and related to t score below - 3 (Odds ratio 1.9661). Patients presented with anticoagulation medication (15.4%), dementia (13%), and ASA score > 3 (12.4%) frequently. 82.3% of patients complained of pain > 4 on VAS, 37% could not be mobilized despite pain medication according to grade II WHO pain ladder. 81.6% received operative treatment. Kyphoplasty (63.8%) and hybrid stabilization including kyphoplasty with (14.4%) or without screw augmentation (7.6%) were the techniques most frequently used. Invasiveness of treatment increased with degree of instability. CONCLUSIONS: OTF are mostly type A compression fractures. Patients suffer from severe pain and immobilization frequently. Progression of deformity is correlated to t score below - 3. Treatment of inpatients is mainly surgical, with kyphoplasty followed by hybrid stabilization as commonly used techniques.

SPINE20 A global advocacy group promoting evidence-based spine care of value.

PURPOSE: The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Studies have estimated that low back pain is one of the costliest ailments worldwide. Subsequent to GBD publications, leadership of the four largest global spine societies agreed to form SPINE20. This article introduces the concept of SPINE20, the recommendations, and the future of this global advocacy group linked to G20 annual summits. METHODS: The founders of SPINE20 advocacy group coordinated with G20 Saudi Arabia to conduct the SPINE20 summit in 2020. The summit was intended to promote evidence-based recommendations to use the most reliable information from high-level research. Eight areas of importance to mitigate spine disorders were identified through a voting process of the participating societies. Twelve recommendations were discussed and vetted. RESULTS: The areas of immediate concern were "Aging spine," "Future of spine care," "Spinal cord injuries," "Children and adolescent spine," "Spine-related disability," "Spine Educational Standards," "Patient safety," and "Burden on economy." Twelve recommendations were created and endorsed by 31/33 spine societies and 2 journals globally during a vetted process through the SPINE20.org website and during the virtual inaugural meeting November 10-11, 2020 held from the G20 platform. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that international spine societies have joined to support actions to mitigate the burden of spine disorders across the globe. SPINE20 seeks to change awareness and treatment of spine pain by supporting local projects that implement value-based practices with healthcare policies that are culturally sensitive based on scientific evidence.

Can cavity-based pedicle screw augmentation decrease screw loosening? A biomechanical in vitro study.

PURPOSE: In an osteoporotic vertebral body, cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation could possibly be optimized by the creation of an initial cavity. The aim of this study is to compare three test groups with regard to their loosening characteristics under cyclic loading. METHODS: Eighteen human, osteoporotic spine segments were divided in three groups. Flexibility tests and cyclic loading tests were performed with an internal fixator. The screws were fixed after creation a cavity and with cement (cavity-augmented group), without cavity and with cement (augmented group), and without cavity and without cement (control group). Cyclic loading up to 100,000 cycles was applied with a complex loading protocol. Screw loosening was measured with flexibility tests after implantation and after cyclic loading. Cement distribution was visualized from CT scans. RESULTS: In all groups, range of motion increased during cyclic loading, representing significant screw loosening after 100,000 cycles. In both augmented groups, screw loosening was less pronounced than in the control group. The cavity-augmented group showed only a slight tendency of screw loosening, but with smaller variations compared to both other groups. This may be explained with a trend for a more equal and homogeneous cement volume around each tip for the cavity-augmented group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that creating a cavity may allow a more equal fixation of all pedicle screws with slight reduction of loosening. However, augmentation only through a cannulated screw is almost equivalent, if care is taken that enough cement volume can be pushed out around the tip of the screw.

Treatment of Odontoid Fractures: Recommendations of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU).

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. OBJECTIVE: To establish recommendations for the treatment of odontoid fractures based on current literature and the knowledge of the experts of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU). METHODS: Narrative review of the literature. Analyzing treatment algorithms of German trauma and spine centers as members of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU). RESULTS: There are many influencing factors leading to appropriate treatment of odontoid fractures such as age, bone quality, arthrosis, classification, and type of the fracture. Conservative nonoperative treatment is appropriate for stable undislocated displaced odontoid fractures. Anterior osteosynthesis with 1 or 2 screws leads to good results in the classical unstable type II odontoid fracture in patients with good bone quality. However, modifiers have been identified by the working group leading to higher complication and failure rates. For these cases, more stable constructs and/or posterior approaches are indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Operation seems to be standard treatment for odontoid fractures. However, in the aged population, conservative treatment should be considered as morbidity and mortality rise significantly in the group of >75 years. Conservative treatment may also be started within stable nondislocated fractures, but then regular controls have to be performed. If operation is indicated, many influencing factors have to be considered for appropriate approach and technique. The classification of Anderson and D'Alonzo is still standard. To create an adequate treatment algorithm, dislocation displacement and instability have to be identified. Stable odontoid fractures are treated conservatively non-operatively, but if so regular controls have to be performed. Unstable and/or dislocated displaced odontoid fractures are treated by anterior osteosynthesis with 1 or 2 screws. The technique is demanding and leads to elevated complication and failure rates if modifiers are apparent. In these cases, posterior instrumentation or fusion of C1 and C2 is favorable. In the aged population (>80 years), operative therapy is critical as postoperative morbidity complication and mortality rates rise significantly. As there is still some bias in the treatment algorithms, the working group recommends establishment of a prospective study to result in more objective statements.

Classification of Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures: Recommendations of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU).

STUDY DESIGN: Expert opinion. OBJECTIVES: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are of increasing medical importance. For an adequate treatment strategy, an easy and reliable classification is needed. METHODS: The working group "Osteoporotic Fractures" of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) has developed a classification system (OF classification) for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. The consensus decision followed an established pathway including review of the current literature. RESULTS: The OF classification consists of 5 groups: OF 1, no vertebral deformation (vertebral edema); OF 2, deformation with no or minor (<1/5) involvement of the posterior wall; OF 3, deformation with distinct involvement (>1/5) of the posterior wall; OF 4, loss of integrity of the vertebral frame or vertebral body collapse or pincer-type fracture; OF 5, injuries with distraction or rotation. The interobserver reliability was substantial (κ = .63). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed OF classification is easy to use and provides superior clinical differentiation of the typical osteoporotic fracture morphologies.

Nonsurgical and Surgical Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Body Fractures: Recommendations of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU).

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical cohort study (data collection); expert opinion (recommendation development). OBJECTIVES: Treatment options for nonsurgical and surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures are widely differing. Based on current literature, the knowledge of the experts, and their classification for osteoporotic fractures (OF classification) the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma has now introduced general treatment recommendations. METHODS: a total of 707 clinical cases from 16 hospitals were evaluated. An OF classification-based score was developed to guide in the option of nonsurgical versus surgical management. For every classification type, differentiated treatment recommendations were deduced. Diagnostic prerequisites for reproducible treatment recommendations were defined: conventional X-rays with consecutive follow-up images (standing position whenever possible), magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scan. OF classification allows for upgrading of fracture severity during the course of radiographic follow-up. The actual classification type is decisive for the score. RESULTS: A score of less than 6 points advocates nonsurgical management; more than 6 points recommend surgical management. The primary goal of treatment is fast and painless mobilization. Because of expected comorbidities in this age group, minimally invasive procedures are being preferred. As a general rule, stability is more important than motion preservation. It is mandatory to restore the physiological loading capacity of the spine. If the patient was in a compensated unbalanced state at the time of fracture, reconstruction of the individual prefracture sagittal profile is sufficient. Instrumentation technique has to account for compromised bone quality. We recommend the use of cement augmentation or high purchase screws. The particular situations of injuries with neurological impairment; necessity to fuse; multiple level fractures; consecutive and adjacent fractures; fractures in ankylosing spondylitis are being addressed separately. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic recommendations presented here provide a reliable and reproducible basis to decide for treatment choices available. However, intermediate clinical situations remain with a score of 6 points allowing for both nonsurgical and surgical options. As a result, individualized treatment decisions may still be necessary. In the next step, the recommendations presented will be further evaluated in a multicenter controlled clinical trial.

Rate and mode of screw misplacements after 3D-fluoroscopy navigation-assisted insertion and 3D-imaging control of 1547 pedicle screws in spinal levels T10-S1 related to vertebrae and spinal sections.

PURPOSE: In the field of spinal surgery, 3D-fluoroscopy navigation-assisted pedicle screw (PS) insertion with intra-operative 3D-image control represents a modern application of contemporary navigation technology. In literature, sectional or vertebral accuracy limitations of this image-guidance approach are not profoundly specified. This observational study explicitly differentiates accuracy rates and misplacement mode between spinal sections and single vertebrae from T10 to S1 using a navigation-assisted approach. METHODS: From February 2011 through July 2015, all 3D-fluoroscopy navigation-assisted, 3D-image controlled PS insertions from T10 to S1 were prospectively recorded and evaluated for PS insertion depth, angulation, and entering-point modifications after intraoperative O-arm control scanning. Major complications requiring revision surgery for neurological damage/major bleedings, and procedure-related unintended violations of anatomical structures were recorded. RESULTS: In 1547 navigation-assisted PS insertions, thoracolumbar accuracy (96.4%) was significantly higher than sacral accuracy (92.6%, p ≈ 0.007) due to special requirements to exact PS (insertion depth) in S1 (p < 0.001). Vertebrae with modification rates above average were identified (T10, L5-S1) (p < 0.001). Major complications did not occur, anatomical structures were violated in 1.2% (19/1547 PS insertions). CONCLUSIONS: In navigation-assisted O-arm-controlled PS placements, correct PS insertion depths are less easily to achieve than correct trajectory or entering-points, which is important for bicortical PS anchorage in S1. Therefore, post-instrumentation PS control by 3D-imaging or at least intraoperative fluoroscopy is recommended for levels with special requirements to exact PS insertion depths (e.g. S1).

Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Applicability of Appropriateness Criteria in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate treatment choice for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is challenging due to patient heterogeneity. Using the RAND/UCLA method, an international multidisciplinary expert panel established patient-specific criteria for the choice between non-surgical management (NSM), vertebroplasty (VP), and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). OBJECTIVES: To assess the applicability of the appropriateness criteria in real-life practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Eight practices of experts who participated in the panel study, including 2 interventional radiologists, one internal medicine specialist, 2 neurosurgeons, and 3 orthopedic/trauma surgeons. Practices were located in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. METHODS: Using an online data capture program, participants documented the clinical profile (age, gender, previous VCFs, time since fracture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, evolution of symptoms, impact of symptoms on quality of life, spinal deformity, ongoing fracture process, and presence of pulmonary dysfunction) and treatment choice for consecutive patients who consulted them for OVCF. RESULTS: In total 426 patients were included. BKP was the most frequently chosen treatment option (49%), followed by VP (34%) and NSM (14%). When compared with the panel recommendations, inappropriate treatment choices were rare (5% for NSM, 2% for VP, none for BKP). Treatment choice was strongly associated with the clinical variables used in the panel study. Differences in treatment decisions between interventional radiologists and surgeons were largely determined by differences in patient characteristics, with time of clinical presentation being the dominant factor. LIMITATION: The study population was restricted to the practices of the participants of the panel study. CONCLUSION: This international, multi-specialty utilization review showed excellent applicability of, and good adherence with RAND/UCLA-based recommendations on treatment choice in OVCF.

Criteria for the appropriate treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF) necessitates a tailored approach of balancing the benefits and limitations of available treatments. Current guidelines are divergent, sometimes contradictory, and often insufficiently detailed to guide practice decisions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at establishing treatment recommendations at the patient-specific level. STUDY DESIGN: Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM), the appropriateness of different treatment options for osteoporotic VCFs was assessed. SETTING: The assessment was conducted by a European multidisciplinary panel of 12 experts. METHODS: The appropriateness of non-surgical management (NSM), vertebroplasty (VP), and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) was determined for 128 hypothetical patient profiles. These were unique combinations of clinical factors considered relevant to treatment choice (time since fracture, MRI findings, impact and evolution of symptoms, spinal deformity, ongoing fracture process, and pulmonary dysfunction). After 2 individual rating rounds and plenary meetings, appropriateness statements (appropriate, inappropriate, and uncertain) were calculated for all clinical scenarios. RESULTS: Disagreement dropped from 31% in the first round to 7% in the second round. Appropriateness outcomes showed specific patterns for the 3 treatments. For three-quarters of the profiles, only one treatment was considered appropriate: NSM 25%, VP 6%, and BKP 45%. NSM was usually appropriate in patients with a negative MRI or a positive MRI without other unfavorable conditions (poor outcomes for the other variables). VP was usually appropriate in patients with a positive MRI, time since fracture ≥ 6 weeks, and no spinal deformity. BKP was recommended for all patients with an ongoing fracture process, and also in most patients with a positive MRI and ≥ 1 other unfavorable factor. LIMITATIONS: The prevalence of the patient profiles in daily practice is yet unknown. CONCLUSION: The panel results may help to support treatment choice in the heterogeneous population of patients with osteoporotic VCF.

Osteoid osteoma of the proximal fibula: an uncommon location with the indication for open surgery.

Purpose. This is a case report of a patient with an osteoid osteoma of the proximal fibula. The objective is to illustrate a rare tumor location that requires open surgery due to closeness of neurological structures. Methods. Clinical and roentgenographic findings, treatment, and histological appearance are presented. Results. Local pain and swelling of the proximal fibula with improvement under salicylates led to the diagnosis of an osteoid osteoma, what was confirmed with an MRI scan. Due to proximity to the common peroneal nerve, we decided for open surgery. During the operation, the nerve was seen to cross the tumor site making it necessary to retract it to expose the entire tumor. Histologically, typical features of osteoid osteoma with a rather well-defined nidus surrounded by sclerotic bone were seen. A complete removal was performed. Conclusion. Osteoid osteomas of the proximal fibula are rare. When planning surgery, the common peroneal nerve must be identified, and its further distal course should be taken into account to avoid iatrogenic damage to the nerve.

Revision characteristics of cement-augmented, cannulated-fenestrated pedicle screws in the osteoporotic vertebral body: a biomechanical in vitro investigation. Technical note.

In generalized osteoporosis, instrumentation with cement-augmented pedicle screws is an amplification of the therapeutic spectrum. Early clinical results are promising for both solid and cannulated screws; however, there are concerns regarding the revision characteristics of these screws, especially for the cannulated-fenestrated type with its continuous cement interconnection from the core of the screw to surrounding bone tissue. In a human cadaver model, bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed radiographically. Spinal levels T9-L4 were instrumented left unilaterally, transpedicularly by using cannulated-fenestrated pedicle screws with the dimensions 6.5 x 45 mm. Polymethylmethacrylate cement (1.5 ml) was injected through the screws into each vertebra. After polymerization of the cement, the extraction torque was recorded. For both implantation and explantation of the screws, a fluoroscope was used to guarantee correct screw and cement positioning and to observe possible co-movements-that is, any movement of the cement mass within the vertebral body upon removal of the screw. For comparison, the extraction torque of same-dimension pedicle screws was recorded in a nonosteoporotic, non-cement-augmented instrumentation. The BMD was 0.60 g/cm2, a level that corresponds to a severe grade of osteoporosis. For removal of the screws, the median and mean extraction torques were 34 and 49 +/- 44 Ncm, respectively. No co-movements of the cement mass occurred within the vertebral body. In the nonosteoporotic control, BMD was 1.38 g/cm2. The median and mean extraction torques were 123 and 124 +/- 12 Ncm, respectively. Thus, the revision characteristics of cement-augmented, cannulated-fenestrated pedicle screws are not problematic, even in cases of severe osteoporosis. The winglike cement interconnection between the screw core and surrounding bone tissue is fragile enough to break off in the event of an extraction torque and to release the screw. There is no proof to support the theoretical fear that while trying to remove a screw, the composite of screw and cement would not break but instead would rotate as a whole in the osteoporotic vertebral body.

Suitability of a calcium phosphate cement in osteoporotic vertebral body fracture augmentation: a controlled, randomized, clinical trial of balloon kyphoplasty comparing calcium phosphate versus polymethylmethacrylate.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled clinical study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a calcium phosphate cement (CaP) in balloon kyphoplasty if compared to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, PMMA currently represents the standard in augmentation materials. It is characterized, however, by a lack of osseointegration and limited biocompatibility. Consequently, CaP is currently being investigated as an alternative material for vertebral augmentation. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were 1 or 2 adjacent osteoporotic fractures of vertebral bodies in the thoracolumbar spine, patient age > or =65 years, and fracture age < or =4 months. Exclusion criteria were tumor lesions and additional posterior instrumentation. RESULTS: A total of 60 osteoporotic vertebral body fractures in 56 patients were included. CaP and PMMA were randomly applied in 30 vertebrae each with 2-fracture-patients receiving only 1 type of cement for both vertebrae. All 60 fractures were classified compression fractures (type A). Of these, 27 were classified burst fractures (type A3). 52/56 patients experienced statistically significant pain relief (7.9 +/- 1.9 to 1.8 +/- 2.1 on a Visual Analog Scale from 0 "best" to 10 "worst"). Bisegmental endplate angles were restored by 6.2 degrees +/- 5.9 degrees on average. Complications that turned out to be cement-specific were: vascular embolism (n = 2) for PMMA; subtotal cement washout (n = 1); and radiographic loss of correction (n = 9) due to cement failure in burst fractures for CaP. There was no case of cement failure, when PMMA had been used. CONCLUSION: The routine use of the CaP tested is not currently recommended for kyphoplasty. Because of its low resistance against flexural, tractive, and shear forces compared to PMMA, in certain constellations (burst fractures), there is a higher risk of cement failure and subsequent loss of correction.

Posterior Fusion in Patients with Trauma, Instability, and Tumor of the Cervical Spine.

Trauma, instabilities and tumors of the cervical spine are treated with established methods of surgery. Therefore, anterior fusion is considered to be a standardized procedure for the lower cervical spine, while posterior and anterior instrumentation facilitates stabilization of the upper cervical spine. However, special situations that particularly require posterior instrumentation in traumatic lesions, tumor or other kinds of instabilities arise again and again. Neurological deficit symptoms, bone quality and related diseases fundamentally lead to a decision of posterior access and fusion. Different pathologies and corresponding reasons for posterior surgical interventions on the cervical spine are described in this paper and discussed using the current literature.

Bilateral patellar tendon rupture without predisposing systemic disease or steroid use: a case report and review of the literature.

Simultaneous bilateral patella tendon ruptures are very rare injuries of the knee extensor complex often associated with systemic disorders such as lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. We describe the case of a 34-year-old man without concomitant systemic disease or steroid use and provide the most comprehensive review of the German and English literature. Furthermore, we discuss the predisposing factors and causal mechanisms as well as current diagnostic procedures and treatment options. In the literature review, only a few patients without systemic disorder or steroid medication present with potential predisposing factors that may be responsible for degenerative changes of the patella tendon, weakening its stability. In addition, in most of these cases, it remains difficult to explain the bilateral and simultaneous nature of this injury.

Skill dependence of radiation exposure for the orthopaedic surgeon during interlocking nailing of long-bone shaft fractures: a clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this clinical trial was to determine whether there is a skill dependence for the total amount of radiation exposure to orthopaedic surgeons caused by fluoroscopy during intramedullary fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical teams were assigned to either the 'Senior group' or the 'Junior group' according to their professional qualification and clinical appointment. Twenty-two long-bone shaft fractures were stabilized with intramedullary nails. The radiation exposure was measured at different body locations including fingers, trunk and head by means of thermoluminescent LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors. The total time of fluoroscopy was registered for each operation. RESULTS: Mean time of fluoroscopy per operation was 4.43 min for the 'Senior group' and 6.95 min for the 'Junior group'. The surgeons' hands were exposed to markedly higher doses (range 0-2.88 mSv 'Senior group'; 0-11.94 mSv 'Junior group') than their trunk and head (range 0-0.27 mSv 'Senior group'; 0-0.38 mSv 'Junior group'). After analysis of variance, differences between both groups proved to be statistically significant for all fingers measured (p