Pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar fractures: conventional short segment versus short segment with intermediate screws at the fracture level-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior short-segment fixation (4-screw construct = 4S) is the conventional surgical technique for thoracolumbar fractures. The effect of adding two intermediate pedicle screws at the fractured level (6-screw construct = 6S) is still a matter of debate. This review aims to compare the results between 4 and 6S pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. The databases PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched until January 2020. Inclusion criteria were studies comparing 4S and 6S techniques in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. Non-comparative studies and studies without full text were excluded. Cochrane risk of bias was assessed, and the GRADE approach was used to present the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, of which 21 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 1890 patients (940 with 4S and 950 with 6S) were included. Meta-analysis showed that the 6S technique resulted in significantly lower pain scores, better short-term and long-term Cobb angles, less loss of correction and less implant failures. However, longer operation time and more blood loss were seen with the 6S technique. Length of hospital stay, Oswestry Disability Index scores and infections did not differ significantly between the 6S and 4S techniques. Quality of the evidence according to GRADE was moderate to low. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, adding intermediate screws at the fracture level (6S) results in less post-operative pain, better radiological outcomes and less implant failure at the cost of a longer operation time and higher blood loss.

The addition of an anti-rotation screw to the dynamic hip screw.

The aim of this study is to assess if there is a difference in outcomes between a dynamic hip screw with or without an anti-rotation screw in the treatment of hip fractures. All patients with an intracapsular hip fracture who underwent dynamic hip screw osteosynthesis between January 2010 and December 2013 in three Dutch hospitals were reviewed. Minimal follow-up was one year. The study included a total of 364 patients. 24 patients were lost to follow-up and excluded. 297 (87.4%) were in the dynamic hip screw group and 43 (12.6%) in the dynamic hip with anti-rotation screw group. Direct comparison of patient characteristics of the two groups showed significant differences in age, sex, Garden classification and Pauwels classification. Patients operated with a dynamic hip screw and anti-rotation screw are significantly younger and their fractures are significantly more dislocated and steeper. To draw conclusions about differences in outcome, a randomised clinical trial should be performed.

Thoracoscopic anterior stabilization for thoracolumbar fractures in patients without spinal cord injury: quality of life and long-term results.

PURPOSE: To determine the health-related quality of life (QOL), safety and radiologic parameters after thoracoscopic treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures using a distractible cage in patients without spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients treated between 2004 and 2012 in a university level-one trauma center. Patient and treatment characteristics were collected from the hospital information system. All available radiographic material was assessed for fracture characteristics and Cobb angle at consecutive times. Patients completed the SF-36 and EQ-5D QOL questionnaires at follow-up. RESULTS: 105 patients were treated with a distractible cage, which was performed thoracoscopically in 86 cases, including 16 patients with SCI. Of 70 eligible patients, 46 were available for follow-up and completed the questionnaires at median 49 months after surgery. QOL was lower on most domains compared to the general population. Compared to patients who underwent solely posterior fixation for less severe fractures, QOL did not differ significantly. The complication rate was low (10%) with one re-operation. Mean loss of correction was 6.8° and bony fusion on CT scan was present in 98% of patients. Maintenance of kyphosis correction was significantly better for two segments anterior fixation compared to one segment. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic anterior stabilization leads to a high percentage of bony fusion in highly unstable thoracic and thoracolumbar fractures with limited post-operative loss of correction and no hardware failure. QOL of these patients does not return to normal population values but is comparable to that of patients with less severe fractures treated with solely posterior instrumentation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Selective computed tomography (CT) versus routine thoracoabdominal CT for high-energy blunt-trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide, and in people younger than 40 years of age, it is the leading cause of death. During the resuscitation of trauma patients at the emergency department, there are two different commonly used diagnostic strategies. Conventionally, there is the use of physical examination and conventional diagnostic imaging, potentially followed by selective use of computed tomography (CT). Alternatively, there is the use of physical examination and conventional diagnostics, followed by a routine (instead of selective) use of thoracoabdominal CT. It is currently unknown which of the two strategies is the better diagnostic strategy for patients with blunt high-energy trauma. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of routine thoracoabdominal CT compared with selective thoracoabdominal CT on mortality in blunt high-energy trauma patients. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 4, 2013); MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP) and CINAHL for all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We did not restrict the searches by language, date or publication status. We conducted the search on the 9 May 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs of trauma resuscitation algorithms using routine thoracoabdominal CT versus algorithms using selective CT in this review. We included all blunt high-energy trauma patients (including blast or barotrauma). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently evaluated the search results. MAIN RESULTS: The systematic search identified 481 references; after removal of duplicates, 396 remained. We found no RCTs comparing routine versus selective thoracoabdominal CT in blunt high-energy trauma patients. We excluded 381 studies based on the abstracts of the publications because of irrelevance to the review topic, and a further 15 studies after full-text evaluation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no RCTs of routine versus selective thoracoabdominal CT in patients with blunt high-energy trauma. Based on the lack of evidence from RCTs, it is not possible to say which approach is better in reducing deaths.

An evidence based blunt trauma protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Currently CT is rapidly implemented in the evaluation of trauma patients. In anticipation of a large international multicentre trial, this study's aim was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a new diagnostic protocol, used for the primary radiological evaluation in adult blunt high-energy trauma patients, especially for the use of CT. METHODS: An evidence-based flow chart was created with criteria based on trauma mechanism, physical examination and laboratory analyses to indicate appropriateness of conventional radiography (CR), sonography and CT of head, cervical spine and trunk. To evaluate this protocol, the authors prospectively included 81 consecutive patients. Collected data included protocol adherence and number and type of performed CR and CT scans. The authors also determined the time needed to perform radiological investigations, adverse events in the CT room and clinically relevant missed injuries after 1-month clinical follow-up. RESULTS: There was 99% adherence to the protocol concerning CT. Seventy-nine patients (98%) received one or more CT scans: 72 (89%) had thoracoabdominal, 78 (96%) cervical spine and 54 (67%) had cranial CT. In 30 patients, one or more CT scans of body regions could be omitted. In 38%, CR was wrongly omitted or performed incorrectly at a variance with the protocol. No major adverse events occurred in the CT room and no clinically relevant injuries were missed. CONCLUSIONS: The authors introduced a diagnostic protocol that seems feasible and safe for the evaluation of adult blunt high-energy trauma patients. Implementation of this protocol has the potential to reduce unnecessary radiological investigations, especially CT scans.

Predictors for the selection of patients for abdominal CT after blunt trauma: a proposal for a diagnostic algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: To select parameters that can predict which patients should receive abdominal computed tomography (CT) after high-energy blunt trauma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Abdominal CT accurately detects injuries of the abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine, but has important disadvantages. More evidence for an appropriate patient selection for CT is required. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on consecutive adult high-energy blunt trauma patients. All patients received primary and secondary surveys according to the advanced trauma life support, sonography (focused assessment with sonography for trauma [FAST]), conventional radiography (CR) of the chest, pelvis, and spine and routine abdominal CT. Parameters from prehospital information, physical examination, laboratory investigations, FAST, and CR were prospectively recorded for all patients. Independent predictors for the presence of > or =1 injuries on abdominal CT were determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1040 patients were included, 309 had injuries on abdominal CT. Nine parameters were independent predictors for injuries on CT: abnormal CR of the pelvis (odds ratio [OR], 46.8), lumbar spine (OR, 16.2), and chest (OR, 2.37), abnormal FAST (OR, 26.7), abnormalities in physical examination of the abdomen/pelvis (OR, 2.41) or lumbar spine (OR 2.53), base excess <-3 (OR, 2.39), systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg (OR, 3.81), and long bone fractures (OR, 1.61). The prediction model based on these predictors resulted in a R of 0.60, a sensitivity of 97%, and a specificity of 33%. A diagnostic algorithm was subsequently proposed, which could reduce CT usage with 22% as compared with a routine use. CONCLUSIONS: Based on parameters from physical examination, laboratory, FAST, and CR, we created a prediction model with a high sensitivity to select patients for abdominal CT after blunt trauma. A diagnostic algorithm was proposed.

Criteria for the selective use of chest computed tomography in blunt trauma patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to derive parameters that predict which high-energy blunt trauma patients should undergo computed tomography (CT) for detection of chest injury. METHODS: This observational study prospectively included consecutive patients (>or=16 years old) who underwent multidetector CT of the chest after a high-energy mechanism of blunt trauma in one trauma centre. RESULTS: We included 1,047 patients (median age, 37; 70% male), of whom 508 had chest injuries identified by CT. Using logistic regression, we identified nine predictors of chest injury presence on CT (age >or=55 years, abnormal chest physical examination, altered sensorium, abnormal thoracic spine physical examination, abnormal chest conventional radiography (CR), abnormal thoracic spine CR, abnormal pelvic CR or abdominal ultrasound, base excess <-3 mmol/l and haemoglobin <6 mmol/l). Of 855 patients with >or=1 positive predictors, 484 had injury on CT (95% of all 508 patients with injury). Of all 192 patients with no positive predictor, 24 (13%) had chest injury, of whom 4 (2%) had injuries that were considered clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Omission of CT in patients without any positive predictor could reduce imaging frequency by 18%, while most clinically relevant chest injuries remain adequately detected.

The clinical outcome of occult pulmonary contusion on multidetector-row computed tomography in blunt trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is a more sensitive modality as compared with conventional radiography (CR) in detecting pulmonary injuries. MDCT often detects pulmonary contusion that is not visualized by CR, defined as occult pulmonary contusion (OPC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether OPC on MDCT has implications for the outcome in blunt trauma patients. METHODS: We used prospectively collected data from 1,040 adult high-energy blunt trauma patients who were primarily presented at our emergency department and who underwent CR and MDCT of the chest. All patients with pulmonary contusion were identified and divided into two groups: The "CR/computed tomography (CT) group" consisted of patients with pulmonary contusion visible on both CR and MDCT. The "CT-only" group consisted of patients with OPC, visible exclusively on MDCT. The control group consisted of blunt trauma patients without pulmonary contusion. These groups were compared with respect to difference in mortality and other outcome measures. In addition, a multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five patients suffered pulmonary contusion: The CT-only group consisted of 157 and the CR/CT group of 98 patients. The CT-only group did not differ from the control group with respect to mortality rate and other outcome measures. However, compared with the CR/CT group, mortality rate was significantly lower (8% versus 16%, p = 0.039) and most other outcome measures were significantly better in the CT-only group. CONCLUSION: OPC on MDCT is not associated with a worse outcome as compared with patients without pulmonary contusion. OPC has a better outcome as compared with pulmonary contusion visible on both CR and MDCT.

Thoracoscopic Correction of Post-traumatic Kyphosis with an Expandable Cage: Radiologic and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To determine the long-term functional and radiological outcomes after thoracoscopic post-traumatic kyphosis (PTK) correction (PTKC). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: PTK after insufficient treatment of unstable fractures usually presents with pain and decreased back function. The results of PTKC using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach with an anterior titanium cage have not previously been reported. METHODS: Data in this study were collected from all patients who underwent thoracoscopic PTKC with an expandable cage between 2007 and 2017. Kyphosis and intervertebral body height were assessed on radiographic material. Quality of life (QOL) and functional outcome scores were determined by the Euroquol 5 dimensions (EQ5D) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Additionally, satisfaction and subjective symptom improvement were determined. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated for symptomatic PTK using a combined thoracoscopic anterior and posterior approach. Nine patients received initial conservative fracture treatment and five patients underwent initial posterior fracture fixation. All patients presented with pain and without neurologic injury. The mean time between injury and PTKC was 15.4 months. Cobb angle (CA) improved with 10.6° immediately after PTKC. During the first follow-up, 4.8° kyphosis correction was lost, but CAs remained stable at longer follow-up. Bony fusion was achieved in 92% of the patients after 16 months. The majority of patients reported an improvement of symptoms 85 months after surgery, satisfaction with and willingness to undergo the procedure again. The mean EQ5D index score was 0.71 and the mean ODI score was 22.3. CONCLUSIONS: The results of minimally invasive thoracoscopic PTKC using an expandable cage were satisfactory. The majority of the patients were satisfied after treatment and no neurological complications occurred. Functional and QOL scores were fairly good. Whereas some postoperative kyphosis correction was lost over time, bony fusion was achieved in the majority of the patients. The thoracoscopic approach minimizes surgical morbidity, does not lead to serious complications, and provides a good option for PTKC.

Incidence of Traumatic Spinal Fractures in the Netherlands: Analysis of a Nationwide Database.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database study based on prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the current incidence and epidemiology of traumatic spinal fractures in the Netherlands SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Traumatic spinal fractures may lead to severe disability and have considerable consequences on healthcare capacity and costs. Several studies have reported a large and increasing share of fractures in elderly. Currently, a reliable, detailed, and up to date incidence of these injuries in the Netherlands is lacking. These numbers could aid in the composition of preventative measures. METHODS: All patients from 2010 to 2017 that were admitted with a spinal fracture were included. Patients were selected based on Abbreviated Injury Scores (AIS) codes. Collected data consisted of patient- and injury characteristics, afflicted spine-region, associated injury, referral- and discharge location, and geographic region of admittance. RESULTS: Overall, 29,637 patients were included in this study. The incidence of spinal fractures increased from 2010 to 2017 (from 21.5 to 24.0 per 100,000 inhabitants). Most patients were injured by a (low-energy) fall from the same level followed by (high-energy) traffic accidents. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) made up 42% of all patients. The proportion of elderly increased significantly faster over the years compared to younger patients. More than half of polytrauma (injury severity score ≥16) patients had fractures in multiple spine regions. 5,5% of all patients suffered spinal cord injury (SCI), most often associated with cervical fractures in polytrauma patients. Regional differences were found mainly in presentation through referral and low- and high-energy falls. CONCLUSION: The incidence of patients with spinal fractures increased and elderly made up a large part. Preventative measures could be regional dependent and should focus on low-energy falls, traffic accidents, and bicycle accidents in specific. In polytraumatized patients there should be special attention for any additional spine fractures and SCI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The Predictive Value of the Load Sharing Classification Concerning Sagittal Collapse and Posterior Instrumentation Failure: A Systematic Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: In 1994, the Load Sharing Classification (LSC) was introduced to aid the choice of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures. Since that time this classification system has been commonly used in the field of spine surgery. However, current literature varies regarding its use and predictive value in relation to implant failure and sagittal collapse. The objective of this study is to assess the predictive value of the LSC concerning the need for anterior stabilization to prevent sagittal collapse and posterior instrumentation failure. METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Inclusion criteria were (1) cohort or clinical trial (2) including patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures (3) whose severity of the fractured vertebrae was assessed by the LSC. RESULTS: Five thousand eighty-two articles have been identified, of which 21 articles were included for this review. Twelve studies reported no correlation between the LSC and sagittal collapse or instrumentation failure in patients treated with short-segment posterior instrumentation (SSPI). Seven articles found no significant relation; 5 articles found no instrumentation failure at all. The remaining 9 articles experienced failure in patients with a high LSC or recommended a different surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: Although the LSC was originally developed to predict the need for anterior stabilization in addition to SSPI, many studies show that SSPI only can be sufficient in treating thoracolumbar fractures regardless of the LSC. The LSC might have lost its value in predicting sagittal collapse and posterior instrumentation failure.

Routine versus selective multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in blunt trauma patients: level of agreement on the influence of additional findings on management.

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to determine the agreement between and within surgeons concerning the influence on treatment plan of routine versus selective multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings in blunt trauma patients. PATIENTS: For this study, 50 patients were randomly selected from a customized database that was originally used to compare a diagnostic algorithm with a selective use of MDCT with an algorithm with routine MDCT of the spine, chest, and abdomen within the same population. In all 50 patients, routine MDCT found additional diagnoses as compared with the selective MDCT algorithm. Of all patients, paper cases were created with detailed information on clinical parameters, findings by physical examination, and radiologic findings. The cases were independently presented to three different trauma surgeons. First, the surgeons were asked for their treatment plan based upon diagnoses found by physical examination, conventional radiography, and selective MDCT alone. Subsequently they were asked for their treatment plan with knowledge of the injuries additionally found by routine MDCT. This procedure was repeated after 3 months. The agreement between and within surgeons was determined for the change of patient management because of additional findings by routine MDCT. RESULTS: The agreement on the influence of routine MDCT findings on patient management between surgeons was moderate ([kappa] = 0.46) in the first procedure and substantial in the second ([kappa] = 0.67). The agreement within surgeons ranged from moderate ([kappa] = 0.60) to excellent ([kappa] = 0.87). CONCLUSION: All surgeons agreed that the traumatic injuries additionally found by routine MDCT, frequently resulted in a change of treatment plan. There was a moderate-to-excellent agreement between and within surgeons that these additional findings resulted in a change of treatment plan.

Routine versus selective computed tomography of the abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine in blunt trauma: a prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Discussion still remains whether computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine should be performed routinely after blunt trauma with high energy impact or only in restricted situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additional value of a routine CT algorithm as compared with a more restricted, selective CT algorithm. MATERIALS: This prospective study consisted of 465 patients that met the inclusion criteria of our high-energy trauma protocol. All patients underwent physical examination, abdominal ultrasound (AUS), and conventional radiography (CR) of the pelvis and lumbar spine and subsequently routine CT of the abdomen, pelvis, and lumbar spine. Before CT, a subgroup of patients with abnormal physical examination or CR or AUS was prospectively defined as the selective CT group. Type and extent of injuries and impact on treatment were recorded for both the routine CT group and the selective CT subgroup. RESULTS: Of all patients, 42 received selective CT of the abdomen, 71 of the pelvis, and 48 of the lumbar spine. Compared with the algorithm with selective CT, routine CT revealed additional traumatic injuries in 15% of the patients in the abdomen, in 2.4% in the pelvis and in 8.2% in the lumbar spine. This resulted in an overall change of treatment in 6.4% (95% confidence interval, 3.7-9.0) of the patients who would not have received CT in a selective CT algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with an algorithm with selective CT, an algorithm with routine CT finds substantially more clinically relevant diagnoses, even in patients with unsuspicious clinical examination, normal CR, and normal AUS.

Is a pelvic fracture a predictor for thoracolumbar spine fractures after blunt trauma?

BACKGROUND: Discussion still remains which polytraumatized patients require radiologic thoracolumbar spine (TL spine) screening. The purpose of this study is to determine whether pelvic fractures are associated with TL spine fractures after a blunt trauma. Additionally, the sensitivity of conventional TL spine radiographs and pelvic radiographs (PXRs) is evaluated. METHODS: We prospectively studied 721 consecutive patients who had sustained a high-energy blunt trauma. The diagnostic workup in these patients included routine conventional radiographs of the pelvis and TL spine followed by a computed tomography (CT) analysis. All patients with pelvic fractures and TL spine fractures identified on conventional radiographs and CT were analyzed. A relative risk (RR) was calculated for the association between pelvic fractures and TL spine fractures. The sensitivity for conventional TL spine radiographs and PXRs in identifying fractures was calculated. RESULTS: Of the 721 patients studied, 620 were included in our diagnostic high-energy trauma protocol. Of these 620 included patients, 86 (14%) suffered a pelvic fracture and 126 (20%) suffered a TL spine fracture. Thirty-three patients (5%) suffered both a pelvic fracture and a TL spine fracture. The RR for a TL spine fracture in the presence of a pelvic fracture identified on PXR is 2.14 (95% confidence interval, 1.54-2.98) and identified on CT this RR is 2.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.59-3.05). However, this association diminishes to a nonsignificant level when the transverse process and spinous process fractures are excluded. Overall sensitivity for conventional TL spine radiographs and PXRs is 22% and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a pelvic fracture is not a predictor for clinically relevant TL spine fractures. Furthermore, our data confirm the superior sensitivity of CT for detecting TL spine injury and pelvic fractures.

Epidemiology of Spinal Fractures in a Level One Trauma Center in the Netherlands: A 10 Years Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiological study. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of spinal fractures over a 10 years period in a level one trauma center in the Netherlands. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal fractures may have large socioeconomic consequences. The prevalence and outcomes likely change over the years owing to improved traffic safety, increasing population age and improved medical treatment. This is the first study to address the epidemiology of spinal fractures over a large period in the Netherlands. METHODS: All patients with a cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine fracture admitted to a level one trauma center from 2007 to 2016 were prospective registered and retrospectively analyzed. In addition to patient, accident, and associated injury characteristics, radiological and surgery data were obtained from the hospital's Electronic Patient File system. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2016, 1479 patients with a total of 3029 spinal fractures were admitted. Approximately 40.8% were female and 59.2% were male, with a mean age of 52.0 years; 4.9% of fractures occurred at a juvenile age (0-18 years) and 63.6% at the age of 19 to 64 years. Most fractures occurred in the thoracic spine, followed by the lumbar and cervical spine. The most common cause of injury was a fall from height, followed by traffic accidents. Spinal cord injury occurred in 8.5% and associated injuries were reported in 73% of the patients. Sixteen percent of the admitted patients were treated operatively. Over time, there was a larger increase in amount of spine fractures in elderly (≥ 65 years) compared with younger people. CONCLUSION: The total amount of spine fractures per year increased over time. In addition, there was a larger increase in amount of spine fractures in patients over 65 years of age compared with younger patients. Despite this increase, a considerable amount of spine fractures still occur in the age-group of 19 to 64 years. Most fractures were located in the thoracic spine. This study might stimulate development of policy on precautionary actions to prevent spine fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Arm raising at exposure-controlled multidetector trauma CT of thoracoabdominal region: higher image quality, lower radiation dose.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of arm position on image quality and effective radiation dose in an automatic exposure-controlled (AEC) multidetector thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) protocol in trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study of the data of 177 trauma patients (117 male; median age, 39 years) was approved by the institutional ethics board, with informed patient consent waived. Patients underwent scanning by using an AEC 16-detector thoracoabdominal CT protocol in which both arms were raised above the shoulder region (standard-position group, 132 patients), one arm was raised and the other was down (one-arm group, 27 patients), or both arms were down (two-arm group, 18 patients). Objective and subjective image quality was assessed. Individual effective radiation dose was calculated from the effective tube current-time product per exposed section. For this purpose, section location-dependent conversion factors were derived by using a CT dosimetry calculator. The effect of arm position on effective dose was quantified by using linear regression analysis with correction for patient volume and attenuation. RESULTS: Compared with the image quality in the standard-position group, the image quality in the one- and two-arm groups was decreased but within acceptable diagnostic limits. The median corrected effective dose in the standard-position group was 18.6 mSv; the dose in the one-arm group was 18% (95% confidence interval: 11%, 25%) higher than this, and that in the two-arm group was 45% (95% confidence interval: 34%, 57%) higher. CONCLUSION: Omitting arm raising results in lower but acceptable image quality and a substantially higher effective radiation dose. Hence, effort should be made to position the arms above the shoulder when scanning trauma patients. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00228111.

Added value of routine chest MDCT after blunt trauma: evaluation of additional findings and impact on patient management.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the added value of a low-threshold routine thoracic MDCT algorithm compared with a selective MDCT algorithm in adult blunt trauma patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 464 consecutive blunt trauma patients who met criteria indicative of severe blunt trauma (66% male; age range, 16-93 years; median injury severity score, 13). After clinical evaluation and conventional radiography of the chest and thoracic spine, all patients underwent routine thoracic MDCT with an IV contrast agent (routine MDCT algorithm). Within this routine MDCT group, a subgroup was prospectively defined with abnormal or inconclusive clinical or conventional radiography evaluation (selective MDCT group). Two investigators determined the type, extent, and clinical impact of additional injuries found on MDCT as compared to conventional radiography for both MDCT groups. RESULTS: Of all 464 patients within the routine MDCT group, 164 patients underwent selective MDCT, which resulted in detection of additional diagnoses compared with conventional radiography in 97 (59%) patients. The routine MDCT algorithm detected additional diagnoses compared with conventional radiography in 201 of 464 patients (43%). Compared with the selective MDCT algorithm, this was an absolute increase of 104 of 464 (22%) extra patients, resulting in a change in patient management in 34 (7%; 95% CI, 5-9.7%), mostly because of additional findings of pulmonary and mediastinal injury. CONCLUSION: Routine MDCT has relatively lower, though still substantial, added diagnostic value compared with selective MDCT of the chest.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of tube thoracostomy following traumatic chest injury; suction versus water seal.

PURPOSE: Tube thoracostomy is frequently used in thoracic trauma patients. However, there is no consensus on whether low pressure suction or water seal is the optimal method of tube management. Against this background, we performed a systematic review of studies comparing suction and water seal management of chest tubes placed for traumatic chest injuries in adults. Evaluated outcomes are duration of chest tube treatment, length of stay in hospital, incidence of persistent air leak, clotted hemothorax, and the need for (re-)interventions. METHODS: A systematic literature search according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Included studies were evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias, and according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines for assessing the quality of evidence. RESULTS: After assessment of 120 identified studies, three RCT's (randomized controlled trials) were included in this review and meta-analysis. A favorable effect of suction was found for duration of chest tube treatment [MD (mean difference) - 3.38 days, P = 0.005], length of stay in hospital (MD -3.90 days, P = 0.0003), and the incidence of persistent air leak [OR (odds ratio) 0.27, P = 0.001]. No significant difference was found for the incidence of clotted hemothorax and (re-)interventions. The quality of evidence according to GRADE was low, except for persistent air leak (moderate). CONCLUSIONS: Suction seems to have a positive effect on duration of chest tube treatment, length of stay in hospital and persistent air leakage in chest trauma. However, available data was limited and the quality of evidence was (very) low to moderate according to GRADE.

Three-Dimensional Thoracoscopic Surgery for Spine Fractures: A Technical Report With First Results and Experiences.

STUDY DESIGN: Technical report. OBJECTIVES: Conventional 2-dimensional (2D) video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a technical procedure mainly performed by experienced surgeons. The technique may, however, come with difficulties in hand-eye coordination and estimation of depth. Three-dimensional thoracoscopy can help overcome these difficulties by providing a stereoscopic 3D view. The objective of this study is to report the first experience and results with 3D thoracoscopy for spine surgery in trauma patients. METHODS: The first 4 patients treated with anterior stabilization for traumatic spine fractures using 3D thoracoscopy in an academic hospital are described. Baseline characteristics, operative time, and blood loss were retrospectively collected. This data is compared with a cohort of patients treated in the same center with the conventional 2D technique. Additionally, the treating surgeons' and residents' experience with the technique is described. Surgical equipment consists of 3D compatible video monitors, a videoscope with 2 cameras, and special glasses to be worn by the personnel. RESULTS: Four patients were successfully treated using 3D thoracoscopy. Operative time was comparable to that of the conventional 2D technique and less blood loss occurred. No per- or postoperative complications or problems occurred. Per-operative views were of very high quality and provided improved depth perception. Surgeons and residents deemed the technique helpful, especially during technically demanding aspects of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: While a shorter learning curve, decreased surgery time, and blood loss have to be proven in future prospective studies, the first experience with 3D-VATS for spine surgery is positive, and future use in minimally invasive spine surgery seems feasible.