Paediatric spine injuries in the thoracic and lumbar spine-results of the German multicentre CHILDSPINE study.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric thoracolumbar spine injuries are rare, and meaningful epidemiological data are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide epidemiological data for paediatric patients with thoracolumbar spinal trauma in Germany with a view to enhancing future decision-making in relation to the diagnostics and treatment of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study includes patients up to 16 years of age who were suffering from thoracolumbar spine injuries who had been treated in six German spine centres between 01/2010 and 12/2016. The clinical database was analysed for patient-specific data, trauma mechanisms, level of injury, and any accompanying injuries. Diagnostic imaging and subsequent treatment were investigated. Patients were divided into three age groups for further evaluation: age group I (0-6 years), age group II (7-9 years) and age group III (10-16 years). RESULTS: A total of 153 children with 345 thoracolumbar spine injuries met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of hospitalization due to the injury was 12.9 (± 3.1) years. Boys were likelier to be affected (1:1.3). In all age groups, falls and traffic accidents were the most common causes of thoracolumbar spine injuries. A total of 95 patients (62.1%) were treated conservatively, while 58 (37.9%) of the children underwent surgical treatment. Minimally invasive procedures were the most chosen procedures. Older children and adolescents were likelier to suffer from higher-grade injuries according to the AOSpine classification. The thoracolumbar junction (T11 to L2) was the most affected level along the thoracolumbar spine (n = 90). Neurological deficits were rarely seen in all age groups. Besides extremity injuries (n = 52, 30.2%), head injuries represented the most common accompanying injuries (n = 53, 30.8%). Regarding spinal injuries, most of the patients showed no evidence of complications during their hospital stay (96.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The thoracolumbar junction was more frequently affected in older children and adolescents. The majority of thoracolumbar spinal column injuries were treated conservatively. Nevertheless, 37.9% of hospitalized children had to be treated surgically, and there was an acceptable complication rate for the surgeries that were performed.

Pediatric cervical spine injuries-results of the German multicenter CHILDSPINE study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide epidemiological data of pediatric patients suffering from cervical spinal trauma in Germany, in order to integrate these data in future decision-making processes concerning diagnosis and therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study includes all patients up to 16 years suffering from cervical spine injuries who were treated in six German spine centers between 01/2010 and 12/2016. The clinical databases were screened for specific trauma mechanism, level of injury as well as accompanying injuries. Diagnostic imaging and the chosen therapy were analyzed. Patients were divided into three age groups for further evaluation: age group I (0-6 years), age group II (7-9 years), age group III (10-16 years). RESULTS: A total of 214 children with 265 cervical spine injuries were included during the mentioned period. The mean age at the time of injury was 11.9 (± 3.9) years. In age group I, 24 (11.2%) patients were included, age group II consisted of 22 patients (10.3%), and 168 patients belonged to age group III (78.5%). Girls and boys were equally affected. In all age groups, falls and traffic accidents were the most common causes of cervical spine injuries. A total of 180 patients (84.1%) were treated conservatively, while 34 (15.9%) children underwent surgery. Distorsion/whiplash injury was the most common entity (n = 165; 68.2%). Children aged 0-9 years had significantly (p < 0.001) more frequent injuries of the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) compared to older age groups. Patients of age group III were more likely to suffer from injuries in subaxial localizations. Neurological deficits were rarely seen in all age groups. Head injuries did represent the most common accompanying injuries (39.8%, n = 92). CONCLUSIONS: The upper cervical spine was more frequently affected in young children. Older children more often suffered from subaxial pathologies. The majority of cervical spinal column injuries were treated conservatively. Nevertheless, 15% of the hospitalized children had to be treated surgically.

Biomechanical comparative study of midline cortical vs. traditional pedicle screw trajectory in osteoporotic bone.

INTRODUCTION: In lumbar spinal stabilization pedicle screws are used as standard. However, especially in osteoporosis, screw anchorage is a problem. Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is an alternative technique designed to increase stability without the use of cement. In this regard, comparative studies showed biomechanical superiority of the MC (midline cortical bone trajectory) technique with longer cortical progression over the CBT technique. The aim of this biomechanical study was to comparatively investigate the MC technique against the not cemented pedicle screws (TT) in terms of their pullout forces and anchorage properties during sagittal cyclic loading according to the ASTM F1717 test. METHODS: Five cadavers (L1 to L5), whose mean age was 83.3 ± 9.9 years and mean T Score of -3.92 ± 0.38, were dissected and the vertebral bodies embedded in polyurethane casting resin. Then, one screw was randomly inserted into each vertebra using a template according to the MC technique and a second one was inserted by freehand technique with traditional trajectory (TT). The screws were quasi-static extracted from vertebrae L1 and L3, while for L2, L4 and L5 they were first tested dynamically according to ASTM standard F1717 (10,000 cycles at 1 Hz between 10 and 110 N) and then quasi-static extracted. In order to determine possible screw loosening, there movements were recorded during the dynamic tests using an optical measurement system. RESULTS: The pull-out tests show a higher pull-out strength for the MC technique of 555.4 ± 237.0 N compared to the TT technique 448.8 ± 303.2 N. During the dynamic tests (L2, L4, L5), 8 out of the 15 TT screws became loose before completing 10,000 cycles. In contrast, all 15 MC screws did not exceed the termination criterion and were thus able to complete the full test procedure. For the runners, the optical measurement showed greater relative movement of the TT variant compared to the MC variant. The pull-out tests also revealed that the MC variant had a higher pull-out strength, measuring at766.7 ± 385.4 N, while the TT variant measured 637.4 ± 435.6 N. CONCLUSION: The highest pullout forces were achieved by the MC technique. The main difference between the techniques was observed in the dynamic measurements, where the MC technique exhibited superior primary stability compared to the conventional technique in terms of primary stability. Overall, the MC technique in combination with template-guided insertion represents the best alternative for anchoring screws in osteoporotic bone without cement.

Does the use of epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure after revision surgery on the spine reduce further wound revision surgery?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of epicutaneous vacuum therapy on the rate of unplanned spinal wound revisions compared with conventional wound dressing. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent unplanned revision spine surgery after primary aseptic spine surgery who were treated at a level I spine centre between December 2011 and December 2019. Patients with revision surgery who required a further unplanned revision surgery during the inpatient stay were considered a treatment failure. The epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure (Epi-VAC) therapy was the standard treatment method beginning in 2017 (the epi-VAC group). Before, conventional wound dressing was used (the control group (CG)). In addition, a one-to-one matched-pair comparison analysis was performed between both groups. RESULTS: Of 218 patients, 48 were in the epi-VAC group. The mean age was 65.1 years (epi-VAC 68.2 to CG 64.3 years (P = 0.085)), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 kg/m2 (epi-VAC 29.4 to CG 27.9 kg/m2 (P = 0.16)). No significant differences in the treatment failure rate could be detected between the two groups (epi-VAC 25% to CG 22.4% (P = 0.7)). There was also no significant difference for the matched-pair analysis (epi-VAC 26.1% to CG 15.2% (P = 0.3)). An elevated CRP level (C-reactive protein) immediately before the first wound revision was a significant risk factor for further revision surgery (treatment failure: 135.2 ± 128.6; no treatment failure: 79.7 ± 86.1 mg/l (P < 0.05)). CONCLUSION: Concerning repeat unplanned wound revision after spinal revision surgery, we cannot demonstrate an advantage of the epicutaneous vacuum therapy over conventional wound dressing.

Impact of Multifidus Muscle Atrophy on the Occurrence of Secondary Symptomatic Adjacent Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

To assess the potential influence of multifidus atrophy and fatty degeneration on the incidence of adjacent vertebral compression fractures within one year after the index fracture. In a retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent surgery for an OVCF were identified and baseline characteristics, fracture patterns and the occurrence of secondary adjacent fractures within one year were obtained by chart review. Multifidus muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were determined on preoperative MRI or CT scans. In this analysis of 191 patients (mean age 77 years, SD 8, 116 female), OF type 3 was the most common type of OVCF (49.2%). Symptomatic adjacent OVCFs within one year after index fracture were observed in 23/191 patients (12%) at mean 12, SD 12 weeks (range 1-42 weeks) postoperatively. The mean multifidus muscle area was 264, SD 53 mm2 in patients with an adjacent vertebral fracture and 271, SD 92 mm2 in patients without a secondary fracture (p = 0.755). Mean multifidus fatty infiltration was graded Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.6 in patients with an adjacent fracture and Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.7 in patients without an adjacent fracture (p = 0.694). Pre-existing medication with corticosteroids was associated with the occurrence of an adjacent fracture (p = 0.006). Multifidus area and multifidus fatty infiltration had no significant effect on the occurrence of adjacent vertebral fractures within one year after the index fracture. Patients with a pre-existing medication with corticosteroids were more likely to sustain an adjacent fracture.

Does time-to-surgery affect mortality in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common. An increase in mortality associated with osteoporotic VCFs has been well documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of time to surgery on 1-year survival in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study with prospective mortality follow-up, consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 years who had operative treatment of a low-energy fracture of a thoracolumbar vertebra and had undergone surgical stabilization between January 2015 and December 2018 were identified from our institutional database. By chart review, additional information on hospitalization time, comorbidities (expressed as ASA - American Society of Anesthesiologists Scale), complications and revision surgery was obtained. Time-to-surgery was defined as the time between admission and surgery. Mortality data was assessed by contacting the patients by phone, mail or the national social insurance database. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty patients (mean age 78 years, SD 7 years, range, 60 to 93; 172 female) were available for final analysis. Mean follow-up was 40 months (range, 12 to 68 months). Fifty-nine patients (22.7%) had died at final follow-up and 27/260 patients (10.4%) had died within 1 year after the surgery. Time-to-surgery was not different for patients who died within 1 year after the surgery and those who survived (p = .501). In-hospital complications were seen in 40/260 (15.4%) patients. Time-to-surgery showed a strong correlation with hospitalization time (Pearson's r = .614, p < .001), but only a very weak correlation with the time spent in hospital after the surgery (Pearson's r = .146, p = .018). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to patients with proximal femur factures, time-to-surgery had no significant effect on one-year mortality in geriatric patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Treatment decisions for these fractures in the elderly should be individualized.

Risk factors for wound-related complications after surgical stabilization of spinal metastases with a special focus on the effect of postoperative radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in the field of oncological therapies during the last decades have led to a significantly prolonged survival of cancer patients. This has led to an increase in the incidence of spinal metastases. The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors for wound-related complications after surgical stabilization of spinal metastases with a special focus on the effect of postoperative RT and its timing. METHODS: Patients who had been treated for metastatic spine disease by surgical stabilization followed by radiotherapy between 01/2012 and 03/2019 were included and a retrospective chart review was performed. RESULTS: Of 604 patients who underwent stabilizing surgery for spinal metastases, 237 patients (mean age 66 years, SD 11) with a mean follow-up of 11 months (SD 7) were eligible for further analysis. Forty-one patients (17.3%) had wound-related complications, 32 of them before and 9 after beginning of the RT. Revision surgery was necessary in 26 patients (11.0%). Body weight (p = 0.021), obesity (p = 0.018), ASA > 2 (p = 0.001), and start of radiation therapy within 21 days after surgery (p = 0.047) were associated with an increased risk for wound complications. Patients with chemotherapy within 3 weeks of surgery (12%) were more likely to have a wound-related surgical revision (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Body weight, obesity and ASA > 2 were associated with an increased risk for wound complications. Patients with chemotherapy within 3 weeks of the surgery were more likely to have a wound-related revision surgery. Patients who had begun radiation therapy within 21 days after surgery were more likely to have a wound complication compared to patients who waited longer.

Epidemiology and management of atlas fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gain new insights into the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with atlas fractures and to retrospectively evaluate complication rates after surgical and non-surgical treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective study, consecutive patients diagnosed with a fracture of the atlas between 01/2008 and 07/2018 were analyzed. Data on epidemiology, concomitant injuries, fracture patterns and complications were obtained by chart and imaging review. RESULTS: In total, 189 patients (mean age 72 years, SD 19; 57.1% male) were treated. The most frequent trauma mechanism was a low-energy trauma (59.8%). A concomitant injury of the cervical spine was found in 59.8%, a combined C1/C2 injury in 56.6% and a concomitant fracture of the thoraco-lumbar spine in 15.4%. When classified according to Gehweiler, there were: 23.3% type 1, 22.2% type 2, 32.8% type 3, 19.0% type 4 and 1.1% type 5. Treatment of isolated atlas fractures (n = 67) consisted of non-operative management in 67.1%, halo fixation in 6.0% and open surgical treatment in 26.9%. In patients with combined injuries, the therapy was essentially dictated by the concomitant subaxial cervical injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Atlas fractures occurred mainly in elderly people and in the majority of the cases were associated with other injuries of the head and spine. Most atlas fractures were treated conservatively. However, surgical treatment has become a safe and valid option in unstable fracture patterns involving the anterior and posterior arch (type 3) or those involving the articular surfaces (type 4). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (Retrospective cohort study). These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Magnetic resonance tomography for the early detection of occult fractures of the spinal column in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after low- and no-energy trauma leads to an improved diagnosis and, as a result, to a change in the therapeutic strategy. METHODS: All patients with AS, who underwent surgery after minor traumas (low-energy traumas, LETs) and patients without trauma history (NET: no-energy trauma), were retrospectively analysed. The diagnostic and planned surgical procedure was examined initially and again after total spine MRI in patients with persistent and/or new complaints. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients with AS after trauma were surgically treated. A total of 92 patients with LETs and 12 patients with NETs were included. After initial diagnostics (CT and X-ray) were performed in 15.4% of the patients with LET or NET (n = 16), we found occult fractures on MRI scans. In ten of these patients (6 LET, 4 NET) in which a previous decision was made to follow conservative therapy, no fracture indication was found on CT or X-ray. Two fracture heights were observed in six patients who experienced LET. However, on X-ray and CT, the fractures were only visible at one height. All fractures were treated surgically with stabilization and decompression if indicated. CONCLUSION: Considering the high percentage of our patient population with occult fractures, we recommend supplementing the basic diagnostic procedures with an MRI of the entire spinal column in patients with painful spinal column findings after minor trauma and for those with persistent pain without trauma. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Which anatomic structures are responsible for the reduction loss after hybrid stabilization of osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine?

INTRODUCTION: Hybrid stabilization is an accepted therapy strategy for unstable osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. However, a moderate reduction loss has been reported and it remains unclear which anatomic structure is responsible for the reduction loss. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed at a level I trauma center. Patients aged 61 and older were stabilized using hybrid stabilization after suffering acute and unstable osteoporotic vertebral body fractures at the thoracolumbar spine. Posterior stabilization was done short-segmental and minimal invasive with cement-augmentation of all pedicle screws. The minimum follow-up has been 2 years. The outcome parameters were the reduction loss and the relative loss of height of both intervertebral discs adjacent to the fractured vertebral body, the fractured vertebral body and a reference disc (intervertebral disc superior of the stabilization) between the postoperative and latest lateral radiographs. Additionally, implant positioning and loosening was analyzed. RESULTS: 29 mainly female (72%) patients (73.3 ± 6.0 years) were included. Fractures consisted of 26 incomplete burst fractures and 3 complete burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction (Th11 - L2: 86%) and the midlumbar spine. The mean follow-up time was 36 months (range: 24-58 months). The mean reduction loss was 7.7° (range: 1-25). The relative loss of heights of both intervertebral discs adjacent to the fractured vertebral body, the reference disc, and the central vertebral body were significant. Thereby, the relative loss of the superior disc height was significant higher compared to the reference disc. Additionally, only the relative loss of central vertebral body height and reduction loss correlated significantly. There were no signs of implant loosening in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The mean reduction loss was moderate 3 years after hybrid stabilization of unstable osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. A significant loss of both adjacent disc heights and the central vertebral body was seen, with the highest loss in the superior adjacent disc significantly outranging the reference disc. The superior adjacent intervertebral disc and the central part of the fractured vertebral body seem to be responsible for the majority of reduction loss.

[Diagnostics and treatment of cervical spine trauma in pediatric patients : Recommendations from the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Halswirbelsäule im Kindesalter : Empfehlungen der AG Wirbelsäulentrauma im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: Severe cervical spine injuries in children under the age of 17 years are rare. Recommendations or even guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment of such injuries in children are currently not available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to formulate recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the cervical spine in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, a search of primary and secondary literature on the topic complex of diagnostics and treatment of cervical spine injuries in children was carried out. An appropriate internal literature database was defined and maintained. Second, within the framework of 9 meetings from April 2017 to December 2019 the members of the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) systematically formulated recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the cervical spine in pediatric patients by a consensus process. RESULTS: Recommendation for the diagnostics and treatment for injuries of the cervical spine could be formulated for three age groups (age group I: 0-6 years; age group II: 7-9 years; age group III: 10-16 years). The diagnostic and therapeutic principles known from adult patients suffering from injuries to the cervical spine cannot be easily transferred to pediatric patients. CONCLUSION: Injuries to the pediatric spine are rare and should be treated in specialized spine centers. Pediatric patients with a stable cardiopulmonary status should undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a spinal trauma is suspected. Classification systems and therapeutic recommendations for injuries to the cervical spine known from adult patients could also be used for adolescent patients. This is not possible for children under the age of 10 years. Only few classification systems exist for this age group. Basic principles of the treatment of spinal trauma in children is the restoration of spinal stability and correct anatomical relationships as well as the protection of all neural structures.

[Diagnostics and treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine trauma in pediatric patients : Recommendations from the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Verletzungen der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule im Kindesalter : Empfehlungen der AG Wirbelsäulentrauma im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: Spinal injuries in pediatric patients are overall very rare. Current reference studies including large patient numbers that enable the formulation of evidence-based recommendations on diagnostics and treatment of these injuries do not exist. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to formulate recommendations on the diagnostics and treatment for injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Firstly, a search for primary and secondary literature on the topic of diagnostics and treatment of spinal injuries in children was carried out. From this, a literature database was established and maintained. Secondly, within the framework of 9 meetings in the time period from April 2017 to December 2019 the members of the Pediatric Spinal Trauma Group of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) documented recommendations on diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine in pediatric patients by a consensus process. RESULTS: Recommendations on the diagnostics and treatment of injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine could be given for 3 age groups (age group I: 0-6 years; age group II: 7-9 years; age group III: 10-16 years). Diagnostic and therapeutic principles known from adult patients suffering from injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine cannot easily be transferred to pediatric patients. CONCLUSION: Spinal injuries in childhood are rare and should be treated in specialized spine centers. Pediatric patients with a stable cardiopulmonary status should undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if a spinal trauma is suspected. The basic principles of the treatment of spinal trauma in children is the restoration of spinal stability and correct anatomical parameters as well as the protection of all neural structures. The potential for correction and regeneration of the individual spinal sections depending on the age of the patient must be considered for deciding between operative vs. conservative treatment. Whenever operative treatment is needed, it should be performed by minimally invasive techniques as a sole instrumentation without spondylodesis. An early removal of the screw-rod-system should be performed.

[Pediatric spine trauma-Results of a German national multicenter study including 367 patients]. / Wirbelsäulenverletzungen im Kindesalter ­ Ergebnisse einer nationalen Multizenterstudie mit 367 Patienten.

BACKGROUND: In general, pediatric spinal injuries are rare. No reliable data on the epidemiology of spinal injuries in pediatric patients in Germany are available. Especially in pediatric patients, for whom the medical history, clinical examination and the performance of imaging diagnostics are difficult to obtain, all available information on a spinal injury must be taken into account. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide epidemiological data for pediatric patients with spinal trauma in Germany in order to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of a national multicenter study, data were retrospectively obtained from 6 German spine centers for 7 years between January 2010 and December 2016. In addition to the demographic data, the clinical databases were screened for specific trauma mechanisms, level of injury as well as accompanying injuries. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging and the treatment selected were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 367 children (female: male = 1:1.2) with a total of 610 spinal injuries were included in this study. The mean age was 12 years (±3.5 years). The most frequent trauma mechanisms were falls from <3 m and traffic accidents. The imaging diagnostics were only rarely carried out with the child under anesthesia. Younger children (0-9 years old) suffered more injuries to the cervical spine, whereas injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine were more frequently found in older children (>10 years old). The children frequently showed accompanying injuries to the head and the extremities. Accompanying spinal injuries mostly occurred in adjacent regions and only rarely in other regions. Around 75% of the children were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: The results were different from the knowledge obtained from adult patients with spinal trauma and describe the special circumstances for pediatric patients with spinal trauma. Despite certain limitations these facts may help to enhance future decision-making for the diagnostics and treatment of these patients.

Hybrid stabilization of unstable osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures: clinical and radiological outcome after a mean of 4 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate midterm results after hybrid stabilization of unstable osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbar junction. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed at a level I trauma center. A total of 113 patients aged 61 and older were stabilized using hybrid stabilization consisting of short-segmental posterior instrumentation and augmentation of the fractured vertebral body after suffering an unstable osteoporotic vertebral body fracture at the thoracolumbar spine. All patients were treated by hybrid stabilization. The primary outcome parameters were the ODI score and loss of reduction. Secondary radiological outcome parameters were the sagittal alignment parameters. RESULTS: Seventy-two women and 41 men (74.6 ± 6.8 years) were included. Sixty-nine patients (61%) were re-evaluated after a mean of 48 months. Seventeen patients have died during the follow-up period (15%). A total of five in-patient complications were documented (4.4%). Additionally, 12 patients (17.4%) suffered from further osteoporotic vertebral body fractures affecting vertebral bodies of different levels. The average ODI score at the final follow-up was 29.9 (± 22.0). Thereby, 66.6% of all patients had low to moderate limitations. The average regional sagittal loss of reduction was 7.4% (± 5.6%). Loss of reduction was below 10° in 78% of the patients. There were statistically significant correlations between the loss of reduction and the ODI score, pelvic incidence and latest Cobb angle, and between the ODI scores and the lumbar lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients had low or moderate limitations and low to moderate reduction loss. Thereby, high loss of reduction correlated directly with inferior outcomes. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Odontoid fractures in combination with C1 fractures in the elderly treated by combined anterior odontoid and transarticular C1/2 screw fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of accompanied C1 fractures in elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures (OF) and to analyze the complication rate and the outcomes of patients after combined anterior odontoid and transarticular C1/2 screw fixation (AOTAF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study represents a retrospective case series at a single level-1 trauma center. All elderly patients (≥ 70 years) with acute combination injuries (CI) including type II OF with an accompanied C1 fracture, who were treated by an anterior approach, were included. All postoperative complications were analyzed based on the patient notes. Clinical and radiological controls were performed after 1 year. Main parameters of interest were 1-year mortality rate, pain level, and satisfaction rate after 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included. The average age was 84.6 years (range 73-94 years). All patients had atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis (AOO) and all but two patients were injured by low-energy falls. Dysphagia was the most common postoperative complication (26.1%). Surgical revision was necessary in one of these patients due to hematoma. Dysphagia improved in all patients considerably. Loss of follow-up was 21.7%. The 1-year mortality was 21.7% (n = 5). The mean pain level and satisfaction rate was 2.5 (± 0.9) and 7.3 (± 0.7), respectively. After 1 year, no signs of non-union were visible. CONCLUSIONS: AOO was observed in all patients with CI. The main cause of trauma was a low-energy fall. The pain levels were low to moderate and satisfaction levels were promising 1 year after surgery. Nonetheless, AOTAF is associated with a high rate of postoperative dysphagia, which resolves in the majority of patients due to conservative management.

Comparison of combined posterior and anterior spondylodesis versus hybrid stabilization in unstable burst fractures at the thoracolumbar spine in patients between 60 and 70 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of unstable burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in the elderly population is highly variable with combined posterior and anterior stabilization (CPAS) and posterior augmented stabilization with cementation of the vertebral body (hybrid) being two commonly used techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of CPAS versus hybrid stabilization for the treatment of unstable burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in patients aged between 60 and 70 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all thoracolumbar burst fractures treated surgically in a single level I trauma center between June 2013 and February 2015. Two commonly used strategies of surgical stabilization were compared; the first consisted of initial posterior reduction and bisegmental stabilization, followed by additional anterior spondylodesis (CPAS); the second method comprised a hybrid technique with a posterior cement augmented bisegmental minimally invasive stabilization and kyphoplasty of the fractured vertebral body. Patients were evaluated clinically after a minimum follow-up of 18 months. The primary endpoint was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at the latest follow-up. Secondary parameters of interest were length of in-hospital stay (LIHS), duration of surgery (DS), surgical revisions (SR), pain level (P-VAS), satisfaction level and the SF-36 score (PSC, MSC), the bisegmental postoperative Cobb angle, the reduction loss (RL), and all alignment parameters (pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, C7 plumb line). RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were included (17 females, 12 males, mean age 65.6 years ± 3.4 years). The following vertebral bodies were fractured: thoracic level (T) 12: n = 6; lumbar (L) 1: n = 14; L 2: n = 6; L 3: n = 3. CPAS was performed in 10 patients (34%), whereas the hybrid was carried out in 19 patients (66%). There were no statistical significant differences between both study groups regarding age, gender, trauma energy, fracture level, and fracture morphology. The latest follow-up was performed after a mean of 27 months (range 18-53 months). The LIHS between the treatment methods was statistically significant (p < 0.01); CPAS-mean 24 days versus hybrid-mean 12 days. DS was also significantly longer in patients treated with CPAS, 254 versus 95 min for the hybrid group (p < 0.01). No SR were necessary in either group. No significant differences were found regarding the clinical and radiological outcomes between the groups. The mean ODI score was 13.6 in the CPAS patients compared to 10.8 in the hybrid patients without significant differences between the groups. The majority of patients had no (80%) or minor (13%) limitations according to the ODI score. The P-VAS was 2.8 in CPAS and 2.9 in the hybrid group. RL was 7.1° in CPAS and 4.2° in the hybrid group. CONCLUSIONS: CPAS and hybrid stabilization provide safe and promising short- and middle-term results in patients between 60 and 70 years of age. The majority of patients demonstrated no disability or minimal limitations with either technique. CPAS resulted in prolonged inpatient hospital stays, longer duration of surgery compared to hybrid stabilization without significant differences in clinical and radiological outcome.

Anterior transarticular atlantoaxial screw fixation in combination with dens screw fixation for type II odontoid fractures with associated atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 1-year outcome after anterior transarticular atlantoaxial fixation and odontoid fusion (TAFOF) for type II odontoid fractures and atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis (AO) in elderly patients. METHODS: All geriatric patients, age 70 or older, with acute traumatic type II odontoid fractures and moderate or severe AO treated by TAFOF were included. The study was performed at a single institution between June 2008 and August 2013. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically after 1 year. Main parameter of interest were in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates, complication rates (re-operations, prolonged hospital stay, blood transfusion; non-union), and the patients' pain (0: no pain; 10: maximal pain) and satisfaction level (0: lowest satisfaction; 10: highest satisfaction) after 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included with an average age of 84.7 years (range 70-101 years). 39 patients were subdivided as "old" with an age 70-84 years and 44 patients were defined as "very old" with an age of 85 or higher. The average operation time was 64.7 min. Three patients died during the inpatient stay (3.6 %). Twenty patients (24.1 %) were lost contact follow-up. The 1-year mortality was 25.4 % with a significantly higher mortality rate in very old patient group (p = 0.01). At the 1-year follow-up, the mean pain level was 3.3 and the mean patient satisfaction level was 6.5. Osseous consolidation of the dens was visible in 90.2 % of patients. Revision surgery was performed in three patients (3.6 %). Generally, a significantly higher complication rate was seen after single-screw fixation of the dens compared to a double-screw fixation in combination with TAF (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior TAFOF leads to promising 1-year results with low in-hospital mortality and a high fusion rate in geriatric patients with type II odontoid fractures and relevant AO. Double-screw dens fixation seems to reduce the complication rate.

Effect of an upper body exoskeleton for surgeons on postoperative neck, back and shoulder complaints.

OBJECTIVES: Surgeons are exposed to high levels of physical stress while working in the operating room. In industry, so-called exoskeletons are used to support the back and shoulder area. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effects of an upper body exoskeleton on postoperative physical complaints of surgeons. METHODS: Surgeons from a university hospital in the fields of orthopaedics, trauma- and visceral surgery performed two operations of the same type and planned length on two different days. The first operation was performed without an exoskeleton, the second with an exoskeleton. The participants completed questionnaires on shoulder pain (SPADI), neck pain (VAS and NDI) and back pain (VAS and ODI) before and after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 25 participants were included and performed 50 surgeries with a mean surgery duration of 144 min without and 138 min with exoskeleton. Without the exoskeleton, the activity of the operation resulted in a significant increase of the VAS neck by 1.0 points (SD 1.2, p < 0.001), NDI by 4.8 (SD 8.6; p = 0.010), VAS back by 0.7 (SD 1.0, p = 0.002), and ODI by 2.7 (SD 4.1, p = 0.003). With the exoskeleton the the participants reported about significant less complaints after the surgery (VAS neck: p = 0.001, NDI: p = 0.003, VAS back: p = 0.036, ODI: p = 0.036, SPADI: p = 0.016) Conclusion: An upper body exoskeleton can significantly reduce the discomfort in the neck, shoulder and back caused to surgeons by surgery.

Template guided cervical pedicle screw instrumentation.

Background: Pedicle screw instrumentation of the cervical spine, although technically challenging due to the potential risk of serious neurovascular injuries, is biomechanically favorable for stabilization purposes. Patient-specific templates are increasingly used in the thoracolumbar spine with excellent accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cervical pedicle screw placement with patient-specific templates in a clinical setting and to report the European experience so far. Methods: Multicentric, retrospectively obtained data of twelve patients who underwent dorsal instrumentation of the cervical spine with 3D-printed patient-specific templates were analyzed. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to evaluate pedicle perforation and screw deviations between the planned and actual screw position. Furthermore, surgical time, radiation exposure, blood loss and immediate postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 86 screws were inserted, of which 82 (95.3%) were fully contained inside the pedicle. All perforations (four screws, 4.7%) were within the safe zone of 2 mm and did not result in any neurovascular complications. Overall, median deviation from planned entry point (Euclidean distance) was 1.2 mm (0.1 - 11 mm), median deviation from the planned trajectory (Euler angle) was 4.4° (0.2-71.5°), median axial and sagittal trajectory deviation from the planned trajectory were 2.5° (0 - 57.5°) and 3.3° (0 - 54.9°), respectively. Median operative time was 168 minutes (111 - 564 minutes), median blood loss was 300 ml (150 - 1300 ml) and median intraoperative fluoroscopic dose was 321.2 mGycm2 (102.4 - 825.0 mGycm2). Overall complications were one adjacent segment kyphosis, one transient C5 palsy and one wound healing disorder. Conclusion: Patient-specific 3D-printed templates provide a highly accurate option for placing cervical pedicle screws for dorsal instrumentation of the cervical spine.

Halo Fixator and Halo Traction - Value for the Treatment of Spinal Disorders in Childhood. / Halofixateur und Halotraktion ­ Stellenwert bei Erkrankungen und Verletzungen der Wirbelsäule im Kindesalter.

The application of the Halo fixateur in case of spinal pathologies in childhood is a standardized technique. The halo fixateur may be used for treatment of injuries of the cervical spine, for additional stabilization following extended surgery at the cervical spine and their transitional regions as well as to achieve preoperative reduction in case of severe and rigid deformity. These indications are, referred to the early age, rare. However, the successful use of the Halo fixateur presumes a certain familiarity with the device and experiences regarding the underlying diseases to minimize related risks and to avoid possible complications. In this article the use and specific features regarding the application of the halo fixateur in childhood based on presented cases and the literature will be discussed.