Comparison of iCT-based navigation and fluoroscopic-guidance for atlantoaxial screw placement in 78 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Studies have shown biomechanical superiority of cervical pedicle screw placement over other techniques. However, accurate placement is challenging due to the inherent risk of neurovascular complications. Navigation technology based on intraoperative 3D imaging allows highly accurate screw placement, yet studies specifically investigating screw placement in patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare atlantoaxial screw placement as treatment of traumatic instabilities using iCT-based navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance with intraoperative 3D control scans. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries treated operatively with dorsal stabilization of C1 and C2. Patients were either assigned to the intraoperative navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance group. Screw accuracy, procedure time, and revisions were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were included in this study with 51 patients in the navigation group and 27 patients in the fluoroscopic-guidance group. In total, 312 screws were placed in C1 and C2. Screw accuracy was high in both groups; however, pedicle perforations > 1 mm occurred significantly more often in the fluoroscopic-guidance group (P = 0.02). Procedure time was on average 23 min shorter in the navigation group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the available data showing that navigated atlantoaxial screw placement proves to be feasible as well as highly accurate compared to the fluoroscopic-guidance technique without prolonging the time needed for surgery. When comparing these data with other studies, the application of different classification systems for assessment of screw accuracy should be considered.

Implications of navigation in thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement on screw accuracy and screw diameter/pedicle width ratio.

Introduction: There is ample evidence that higher accuracy can be achieved in thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement by using spinal navigation. Still, to date, the evidence regarding the influence of the use of navigation on the screw diameter to pedicle width ratio remains limited. Research question: The aim of this study was to investigate the implications of navigation in thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement not only on screw accuracy, but on the screw diameter to pedicle width ratio as well. Material and methods: In this single-center single-surgeon study, 45 Patients undergoing navigated thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement were prospectively included. The results were compared with a matched comparison group of patients in which screw placement was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. The screw accuracy and the screw diameter to pedicle width ratio of every screw were compared between the groups. Results: Screw accuracy was significantly higher in the navigation group compared to the fluoroscopic guidance group, alongside with a significant increase of the screw diameter to pedicle width ratio by approximately 10%. In addition, both the intraoperative radiation dose and the operating time tended to be lower in the study group. Conclusion: This study was able to show that navigated thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement not only increases the accuracy of screw placement but also facilitates the selection of the adequate screw sizes, which according to the literature has positive effects on fixation strength. Meanwhile, the use of navigation did not negatively affect the time needed for surgery or the patient's intraoperative exposure to radiation.

Comparing Temporary Immobilization Using Cast and External Fixator in Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture Dislocations: A Retrospective Case Series.

Studies have reported a high percentage of ankle fracture dislocations with secondary loss of reduction during primary treatment with a splint or cast. This study aimed to assess the rate of secondary loss of reduction in unimalleolar ankle fracture dislocations treated primarily with a cast or external fixator, identify the potential influence of fracture morphology, and investigate the potential implications. Unimalleolar ankle fracture dislocations with and without posterior malleolar fracture between 2011 and 2020 were included. Patients were categorized into two groups, depending on the method of temporary treatment. Fracture morphology, time to definitive surgery, and soft-tissue complications were compared. Of 102 patients, loss of reduction tended to occur more often in the cast group (17.3%) than in the external fixator group (6.0%). The presence of a posterior malleolar fracture did not have a significant influence on loss of reduction in cast immobilization; however, the fragment proved to be significantly bigger in cases with loss of reduction. No statistically significant differences in soft tissue complications or time to definitive surgery were found. Surgeons should consider the application of interval external fixation in the primary treatment of unimalleolar ankle fracture dislocations with additional posterior malleolar fractures.

First Clinical Experience with a Novel 3D C-Arm-Based System for Navigated Percutaneous Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screw Placement.

Background and Objectives: Navigated pedicle screw placement is becoming increasingly popular, as it has been shown to reduce the rate of screw misplacement. We present our intraoperative workflow and initial experience in terms of safety, efficiency, and clinical feasibility with a novel system for a 3D C-arm cone beam computed-tomography-based navigation of thoracolumbar pedicle screws. Materials and Methods: The first 20 consecutive cases of C-arm cone beam computed-tomography-based percutaneous pedicle screw placement using a novel navigation system were included in this study. Procedural data including screw placement time and patient radiation dose were prospectively collected. Final pedicle screw accuracy was assessed using the Gertzbein-Robbins grading system. Results: In total, 156 screws were placed. The screw accuracy was 94.9%. All the pedicle breaches occurred on the lateral pedicle wall, and none caused clinical complications. On average, a time of 2:42 min was required to place a screw. The mean intraoperative patient radiation exposure was 7.46 mSv. Conclusions: In summary, the investigated combination of C-arm CBCT-based navigation proved to be easy to implement and highly reliable. It facilitates the accurate and efficient percutaneous placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine. The careful use of intraoperative imaging maintains the intraoperative radiation exposure to the patient at a moderate level.

Multidisciplinary team meetings for patients with complex extremity defects: a retrospective analysis of treatment recommendations and prognostic factors for non-implementation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting approach for the management of patients with complex extremity defects, analyze treatment recommendations, and evaluate factors influencing non-implementation. METHODS: All patients introduced to an MDT meeting for complex extremity defects from 2015 to 2017 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Patients' characteristics and defect causes were evaluated. Treatment recommendations (TR) of MDT meetings and subsequent implementation were reviewed (cohort with implementation of TR versus cohort with non-implementation of TR), and factors associated with non-adherence to recommendations were statistically analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (41 male) with a mean age of 54 years were presented in 27 MDT meetings. Most of the patients (70%) suffered from reconstructive challenging or combined bone- and soft tissue defects, primarily located at the lower extremity (88%). Large skeletal defects, chronic osteomyelitis, and multi-fragmented fractures were present in 65% of cases. Forty-five percent of the patients suffered from peripheral vascular disease, necessitating surgical optimization. Of the 51 MDT decisions, 40 were implemented (78%; (32/40) limb salvage versus 22%; (8/40) limb amputation). Limb salvage was successfully achieved in 91% (29/32) of the cases. Failed limb salvages were due to flap failure (33%; 1/3), recurring periprosthetic joint infections (66%; 2/3) and concomitant reconstructive failure. Patients who underwent limb amputation, as recommended, showed proper stump healing and regained mobility with a prosthesis. Overall the MDT treatment plan was effective in 92.5% (37/40) of the patients, who adhered to the MDT treatment recommendation. In eleven patients (22%; 11/51), the MDT treatment was not implemented. MDT decisions were less likely to be implemented, if amputation was recommended (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: MDT meetings represent a valid tool to formulate individualized treatment plans, avoiding limb amputation in most patients with severe extremity defects. Recommendation for limb amputation is less likely to be implemented than plans for limb salvage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Functional outcome and tendon integrity of rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic glenohumeral dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff tears (rct) subsequent to glenohumeral dislocation are relevant concomitant injuries, can lead to impaired shoulder function and increase risk of recurrent dislocation. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome, recurrent dislocation rate and tendon integrity after rotator cuff repair after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, 23 patients (age 56.4 years ± 6.3) who underwent a rotator cuff reconstruction after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation with confirmed combination of full-thickness RCT and Bankart lesion were enrolled after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcome (age and gender adjusted Constant Murley Score (CMS), DASH, Rowe Score) (n = 23) and sonographic tendon integrity (n = 19) were studied. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 58 ± 32 months, a CMS of 85.1% ± 14.7, DASH of 14.2 ± 20.5, and Rowe Score of 82.4 ± 15.2 indicated good functional outcome. In 4 of 19 patients (21.1%) a re-tear was found during sonographic evaluation. In 3 cases (13%), a revision was performed (2 × stiff shoulder, 1 × postoperative infection). One patient had a single traumatic re-dislocation (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergone reconstruction of the rotator cuff following a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation can achieve good functional results and a low rate of recurrent dislocation. Postoperative tendon integrity is comparable with known data about non traumatic tears.