Development and Evaluation of the OF Pelvis Score for Osteoporotic Pelvic Ring Fractures - A Retrospective Assessment of Therapy Recommendations for 107 Patients. / Entwicklung und Evaluation des OF-Pelvis-Scores bei osteoporotischen Beckenringfrakturen ­ retrospektive Beurteilung der Therapieempfehlung anhand von 107 Patienten.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and reliable score which supports decision making between non-operative and operative treatment in patients with osteoporotic pelvic fractures.Between 2018 to 2020, the OF Pelvis Score was developed during a total of 5 meetings of the Working Group on Osteoporotic Fractures of the Spine Section of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma. The OF Pelvis Score as a decision aid between non-surgical and surgical treatment was developed by expert consensus after analysis of numerous geriatric sacral and pelvic ring fractures from several hospitals. Subsequently, retrospective evaluation of the score was performed on consecutive patients from three hospitals.The following parameters were considered relevant to decision making between non-surgical and surgical treatment and were incorporated into the score: fracture morphology using the OF Pelvis Classification, pain status, level of mobilisation, fracture-related neurological deficits, health status, and the modifiers already integrated into the OF Pelvis classification. If the score is < 8, non-surgical therapy is recommended; if the score is > 8, surgical therapy is recommended; if the score is 8, there is a relative indication for surgery. The OF Pelvis Score was then evaluated retrospectively in a total of 107 patients, according to records. The OF Pelvis Score was 8 points in 4 patients (3.7%), all of whom received surgical treatment. Of the remaining 103 patients, 93 received score-compliant therapy (90.3%). Among these, 4 of the patients who did not receive score-compliant care refused the recommended surgery, so the actual therapy recommendation was score-compliant in 94.2%.The OF Pelvis Score can be used to derive a therapy recommendation in many patients in clinical practice. Because of the possible change of clinical parameters during the course of the disease, the score has a dynamic character. In the retrospective evaluation, the recommendations from the OF Pelvis Score were in close accordance with the therapy actually performed.

Do TLIF and PLIF Techniques Differ in Perioperative Complications? - Comparison of Complications Rates of Two High Volume Centers.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective bicentric Cohort Study. OBJECTIVE: Posterior (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have been clinically proven for the surgical treatment of degenerative spinal disorders. Despite many retrospective studies, the superiority of either technique has not been proven to date. In the literature, the complication rate of the conventional PLIF technique is reported to be significantly higher, but with inconsistent complication recording. In this retrospective bicentric study, a less invasive PLIF technique was compared with the conventional TLIF technique and complications were recorded using the validated SAVES V2 classification system. METHODS: 1142 patients underwent PLIF (702) or TLIF (n = 440) up to 3 levels in two specialized centers. Epidemiological data, intra- and postoperative complications during hospitalization and after discharge were analyzed according to SAVES V2. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 13.74%. TLIF-patients had slightly significant more complications than PLIF-patients (TLIF = 16.6%/PLIF = 11.9%, P = .0338). Accordingly, complications during revision surgeries were more frequent in the first cohort (TLIF = 20.9%/PLIF = 12.6%; P = .03252). In primary interventions, the surgical technique did not correlate with the complication rate (TLIF = 12.4%/PLIF = 11.7%). There were no significant differences regarding severity of complications. CONCLUSIONS: An important component of this work is the complication recording according to a uniform classification system (SAVES V2). In contrast to previous literature, we could demonstrate that there is not a significant difference between the two surgical techniques.

Treatment and Outcome of Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Body Fractures With Deformation of Both Endplates With or Without Posterior Wall Involvement (OF 4): Short-Term Results from the Prospective EOFTT Multicenter Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To analyse therapeutical strategies applied to osteoporotic thoracolumbar OF 4 injuries, to assess related complications and clinical outcome. METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study (EOFTT) including 518 consecutive patients who were treated for an Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). For the present study, only patients with OF 4 fractures were analysed. Outcome parameters were complications, Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Timed Up & Go test, EQ-5D 5L, and Barthel Index after a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 152 (29%) patients presented with OF 4 fractures with a mean age of 76 years (range 41-97). The most common treatment was short-segment posterior stabilization (51%; hybrid stabilization in 36%). Mean follow up was 208 days (±131 days), mean ODI was 30 ± 21. Dorsoventral stabilized patients were younger compared to the other groups (P < .001) and had significant better TuG compared to hybrid stabilization (P = .049). The other clinical outcomes did not differ in the therapy strategies (VAS pain: P = 1.000, ODI: P > .602, Barthel: P > .252, EQ-5D 5L index value: P > .610, VAS-EQ-5D 5L: P = 1.000). The inpatient complication rate was 8% after conservative and 16% after surgical treatment. During follow-up period 14% of conservatively treated patients and 3% of surgical treated patients experienced neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative therapy of OF 4 injuries seems to be viable option in patients with only moderate symptoms. Hybrid stabilization was the dominant treatment strategy leading to promising clinical short-term results. Stand-alone cement augmentation seems to be a valid alternative in selected cases.

Treatment and Outcome of Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures With Anterior or Posterior Tension Band Failure (OF 5): Short-Term Results From the Prospective EOFTT Multicenter Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To analyse surgical strategies applied to osteoporotic thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture (OF) 5 injuries with anterior or posterior tension band failure and to assess related complications and clinical outcome. METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study (EOFTT) was conducted at 17 spine centers including 518 consecutive patients who were treated for an osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). For the present study, only patients with OF 5 fractures were analysed. Outcome parameters were complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI), Timed Up & Go test (TUG), EQ-5D 5L, and Barthel Index. RESULTS: In total, 19 patients (78 ± 7 years, 13 female) were analysed. Operative treatment consisted of long-segment posterior instrumentation in 9 cases and short-segment posterior instrumentation in 10 cases. Pedicle screws were augmented in 68 %, augmentation of the fractured vertebra was performed in 42%, and additional anterior reconstruction was done in 21 %. Two patients (11 %) received short-segment posterior instrumentation without either anterior reconstruction or cement-augmentation of the fractured vertebra. No surgical or major complications occurred, but general postoperative complications were observed in 45%. At a follow-up of mean 20 ± 10 weeks (range, 12 to 48 weeks), patients showed significant improvements in all functional outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of patients with type OF 5 fractures, surgical stabilization was the treatment of choice and lead to significant short-term improvement in terms of functional outcome and quality of life despite a high general complication rate.

Clinical Evaluation of the Osteoporotic Fracture Treatment Score (OF-Score): Results of the Evaluation of the Osteoporotic Fracture Classification, Treatment Score and Therapy Recommendations (EOFTT) Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to validate the recently developed OF score for treatment decisions in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). METHODS: This is a prospective multicenter cohort study (EOFTT) in 17 spine centers. All consecutive patients with OVCF were included. The decision for conservative or surgical therapy was made by the treating physician independent of the OF score recommendation. Final decisions were compared to the recommendations given by the OF score. Outcome parameters were complications, Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Timed Up & Go test, EQ-5D 5 L, and Barthel Index. RESULTS: In total, 518 patients (75.3% female, age 75 ± 10) years were included. 344 (66%) patients received surgical treatment. 71% of patients were treated following the score recommendations. For an OF score cut-off value of 6.5, the sensitivity and specificity to predict actual treatment were 60% and 68% (AUC .684, P < .001). During hospitalization overall 76 (14.7%) complications occurred. The mean follow-up rate and time were 92% and 5 ± 3.5 months, respectively. While all patients in the study cohort improved in clinical outcome parameters, the effect size was significantly less in the patients not treated in line with the OF score's recommendation. Eight (3%) patients needed revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated according to the OF score's recommendations showed favorable short-term clinical results. Noncompliance with the score resulted in more pain and impaired functional outcome and quality of life. The OF score is a reliable and save tool to aid treatment decision in OVCF.

[Transmuscular approach (XLIF technique) for anterior surgery of the lumbar spine]. / Transmuskulärer Psoas-Zugang zur vorderen Lendenwirbelsäule (XLIF-Technik).

OBJECTIVE: Anterior stabilization of the spine with a lateral approach to insert a large and broad cage creating a better bearing surface to restore or maintain the lumbar lordosis. INDICATIONS: Degenerative scoliosis as well as revision surgery for stenosis of the neuroforamen. Lumbar corpectomies between L2/3 and L4/5 can be approached as well. CONTRAINDICATIONS: The segment L5/S1 is not suitable for the transmuscular approach. Relative contraindications are previous retroperitoneal surgery and spondylolisthesis with sliding of more than 50% (> Meyerding 2) SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We describe the transmuscular retroperitoneal approach to the lumbar segments which is called extreme lateral approach (XLIF). To protect the spinal nerves on the way through the psoas muscle, use of intraoperative triggered neuromonitoring is paramount. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Full mobilization directly after surgery is possible in most cases. Weight bearing should be restricted to 20 kg for 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The transmuscular approach to the lumbar spine is a good alternative to reach the anterior part of the lumbar spine. Degenerative scoliosis as well as stenosis of the neuroforamen especially in revision surgery are good indications for this technique. Injuries of the spinal nerves range from 0.7 to 15%. Other complications are rare.

Georg Schmorl prize of the German spine society (DWG) 2022: current treatment for inpatients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures-results of the EOFTT study.

AIM: Osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures are of increasing importance. To identify the optimal treatment strategy this multicentre prospective cohort study was performed. PURPOSE: Patients suffering from osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures were included. Excluded were tumour diseases, infections and limb fractures. Age, sex, trauma mechanism, OF classification, OF-score, treatment strategy, pain condition and mobilization were analysed. METHODS: A total of 518 patients' aged 75 ± 10 (41-97) years were included in 17 centre. A total of 174 patients were treated conservatively, and 344 were treated surgically, of whom 310 (90%) received minimally invasive treatment. An increase in the OF classification was associated with an increase in both the likelihood of surgery and the surgical invasiveness. RESULTS: Five (3%) complications occurred during conservative treatment, and 46 (13%) occurred in the surgically treated patients. 4 surgical site infections and 2 mechanical failures requested revision surgery. At discharge pain improved significantly from a visual analogue scale score of 7.7 (surgical) and 6.0 (conservative) to a score of 4 in both groups (p < 0.001). Over the course of treatment, mobility improved significantly (p = 0.001), with a significantly stronger (p = 0.007) improvement in the surgically treated patients. CONCLUSION: Fracture severity according to the OF classification is significantly correlated with higher surgery rates and higher invasiveness of surgery. The most commonly used surgical strategy was minimally invasive short-segmental hybrid stabilization followed by kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty. Despite the worse clinical conditions of the surgically treated patients both conservative and surgical treatment led to an improved pain situation and mobility during the inpatient stay to nearly the same level for both treatments.

[Intraoperative computed tomography-guided navigation for implant anchorage in spine surgery]. / Navigation mit intraoperativer Computertomographie zur Implantatverankerung in der spinalen Chirurgie.

OBJECTIVE: Improved accuracy of spinal instrumentation with the use of intraoperative CT (iCT). INDICATIONS: All types of posterior spinal instrumentation. CONTRAINDICATIONS: None. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After fixation of the spinal clamp, an intraoperative CT (iCT) is performed. The image data set can then be used for navigation of the spinal implants. The arrangement of the devices, positioning of the patient, and the exact fixation of the clamp depend on the operation technique and the anatomical region. A high level of standardization is necessary for clinical success. In general, the utilization of drill guides over the use of awls and Yamshidi needles is strongly recommended. Thereby the risk of segmental vertebral rotation, especially in multisegmental instrumentation, will be reduced. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: The postoperative management depends on the type of surgery and is not influenced by the use of navigation with iCT. RESULTS: In our patient group of the first 200 surgeries with iCT (AIRO, Brainlab AG, Munich, Germany), we performed 34% cervical instrumentations, 31% percutaneous screw insertions, and 35% multisegmental open procedures including the sacrum or ilium. Two surgeries had to be converted to conventional technique due to technical problems. One misplaced S2/Ala/ilium screw had to be corrected in revision surgery. The infection rate was 2.5% and was not increased compared to conventional procedures. In the literature, a significant reduction of radiation exposure was shown, when iCT and navigation were used. Also, in longer surgical cases the operation time could be reduced. In comparison with 3D C­arm imaging, the image quality and screw accuracy is improved by iCT. Due to the possibility of 3D intraoperative implant control, the number of revision cases can be reduced.

Surgical Treatment of Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Open-Door Laminoplasty and Fixation via Unilateral Approach. A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: We compared open-door laminoplasty via a unilateral approach and additional unilateral lateral mass screw fixation (uLP) with laminectomy and bilateral lateral mass screw fixation (LC) in the surgical treatment of multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (mDCM). METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of 46 prospectively enrolled patients (23 uLP and 23 LC). The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Neck and arm pains were evaluated with visual analog scales and disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Myelopathy was rated with the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured on plain and functional X-ray films with a specific software. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Fusion was defined as <2 degrees of intersegmental motion on flexion/extension radiographs. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in age and comorbidities. The mean operation time and the mean hospital stay were shorter in the uLP group (p = 0.015). The intraoperative blood loss did not exceed 200 mL in both groups. At follow-up, the groups showed comparable clinical outcome data. The sagittal profile did not deteriorate in either group. Fusion rates were 67% in the uLP group and 92% in the LC group. No infections occurred in either group. In the LC group, one patient developed a transient C5 palsy. Revision surgery was required for a malpositioned screw (LC) and for one implant failure (uLP). CONCLUSION: Laminoplasty and unilateral fixation via a unilateral approach achieved comparable clinical and radiologic results with laminectomy and bilateral fixation, despite a lower fusion rate. However, the surgical traumatization was less.

Cervical Single-Level Pincer Stenosis Causing Myelopathy: A Technical Note and Medium-term Results of a One-Session Microsurgical 360-Degree Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Single-level circumferential or pincer stenosis (PS) affects few patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). The surgical technique and medium-term results of a one-session microsurgical 360-degree (m360°) procedure are presented. PATIENTS: Between 2013 and 2018, the data of 23 patients were prospectively collected out of 371 patients with DCM. The m360° procedure comprised a microsurgical anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), with additional plate fixation, followed by flipping the patient and performing a microsurgical posterior bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach in crossover technique. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 72 years (range: 50-84); 17 patients were males. The mean follow-up time was 12 months (range: 6-31). The patients filled in the patient-derived modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P-mJOA) questionnaire on average 53 months after surgery. One patient received a two-level ACDF. Lesions were mostly (92%) located at the C3/C4 (8/24), C4/C5 (7/24), and C5/C6 (7/24) levels. Functional X-rays showed segmental instability in 10 of 23 patients (44%). All preoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary hyperintensity. The median preoperative mJOA score was 13 (range 3), and it improved to 16 (range 3) postoperatively. The mean improvement rate in the mJOA score was 73%. When available, postoperative MRI confirmed good circumferential decompression with persistent intramedullary hyperintensity. There were two complications: a long-lasting radicular paresthesia at C6 and a transient C5 palsy. No revision surgery was required. CONCLUSION: The one-session m360° procedure was found to be a safe surgical procedure for the treatment of PS, and the medium-term clinical outcome was satisfactory.

Risk Factors for Failure in Conservatively Treated Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases of the elderly, whereby vertebral body fractures are in many cases the first manifestation. Even today, the consequences for patients are underestimated. Therefore, early identification of therapy failures is essential. In this context, the aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the current literature with respect to clinical and radiographic findings that might predict treatment failure. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) checklist and algorithm. RESULTS: After the literature search, 724 potentially eligible investigations were identified. In total, 24 studies with 3044 participants and a mean follow-up of 11 months (range 6-27.5 months) were included. Patient-specific risk factors were age >73 years, bone mineral density with a t-score <-2.95, BMI >23 and a modified frailty index >2.5. The following radiological and fracture-specific risk factors could be identified: involvement of the posterior wall, initial height loss, midportion type fracture, development of an intravertebral cleft, fracture at the thoracolumbar junction, fracture involvement of both endplates, different morphological types of fractures, and specific MRI findings. Further, a correlation between sagittal spinal imbalance and treatment failure could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this systematic review identified various factors that predict treatment failure in conservatively treated osteoporotic fractures. In these cases, additional treatment options and surgical treatment strategies should be considered in addition to follow-up examinations.

OF-Pelvis classification of osteoporotic sacral and pelvic ring fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis (OFP) are an increasing issue in orthopedics. Current classification systems (CS) are mostly CT-based and complex and offer only moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability (interRR) and intra-rater reliability (intraRR). MRI is thus gaining importance as a complement. This study aimed to develop a simple and reliable CT- and MRI-based CS for OFP. METHODS: A structured iterative procedure was conducted to reach a consensus among German-speaking spinal and pelvic trauma experts over 5 years. As a result, the proposed OF-Pelvis CS was developed. To assess its reliability, 28 experienced trauma and orthopedic surgeons categorized 25 anonymized cases using X-ray, CT, and MRI scans twice via online surveys. A period of 4 weeks separated the completion of the first from the second survey, and the cases were presented in an altered order. While 13 of the raters were also involved in developing the CS (developing raters (DR)), 15 user raters (UR) were not deeply involved in the development process. To assess the interRR of the OF-Pelvis categories, Fleiss' kappa (κF) was calculated for each survey. The intraRR for both surveys was calculated for each rater using Kendall's tau (τK). The presence of a modifier was calculated with κF for interRR and Cohen's kappa (κC) for intraRR. RESULTS: The OF-Pelvis consists of five subgroups and three modifiers. Instability increases from subgroups 1 (OF1) to 5 (OF5) and by a given modifier. The three modifiers can be assigned alone or in combination. In both surveys, the interRR for subgroups was substantial: κF = 0.764 (Survey 1) and κF = 0.790 (Survey 2). The interRR of the DR and UR was nearly on par (κF Survey 1/Survey 2: DR 0.776/0.813; UR 0.748/0.766). The agreement for each of the five subgroups was also strong (κF min.-max. Survey 1/Survey 2: 0.708-0.827/0.747-0.852). The existence of at least one modifier was rated with substantial agreement (κF Survey 1/Survey 2: 0.646/0.629). The intraRR for subgroups showed almost perfect agreement (τK = 0.894, DR: τK = 0.901, UR: τK = 0.889). The modifier had an intraRR of κC = 0.684 (DR: κC = 0.723, UR: κC = 0.651), which is also considered substantial. CONCLUSION: The OF-Pelvis is a reliable tool to categorize OFP with substantial interRR and almost perfect intraRR. The similar reliabilities between experienced DRs and URs demonstrate that the training status of the user is not important. However, it may be a reliable basis for an indication of the treatment score.

Traumatic Fractures of the Thoracic Spine. / Traumatische Frakturen der Brustwirbelsäule.

The majority of traumatic vertebral fractures occur at the thoracolumbar junction and the lumbar spine and less commonly at the mid-thoracic and upper thoracic spine. In accordance, a high number of articles are dealing with thoracolumbar fractures focusing on the thoracolumbar junction. Nonetheless, the biomechanics of the thoracic spine differ from the thoracolumbar junction and the lumbar vertebral spine. The aim of this review is to screen the literature dealing with acute traumatic thoracic vertebral fractures in patients with normal bone quality. Thereby, the diagnostic of thoracic vertebral body fractures should include a CT examination. Ideally, the CT should include the whole thoracic cage particularly in patients suffering high energy accidents or in those with clinical suspicion of concomitant thoracic injuries. Generally, concomitant thoracic injuries are frequently seen in patients with thoracic spine fractures. Particularly sternal fractures cause an increase in fracture instability. In case of doubt, long segment stabilization is recommended in patients with unstable mid- und upper thoracic fractures, particularly in those patients with a high grade of instability.

Revision surgery in cervical spine.

PURPOSE: To report the indications, presurgical planning, operative techniques, complications for making decisions in cervical revision surgery (CRS). METHODS: Hundred and two patients underwent CRS over a four-year period. Epidemiological data, the type of first surgery, CRS surgical techniques and complications were retrospectively evaluated. Pain and neurological symptoms were assessed according to the validated Odom criteria. CRS indications were classified into five categories: adjacent segment disease (ASD), infection (INF), implant failure-pseudarthrosis (IFP), non-infectious complication, and deformity. Patients were classified into three groups, according to the approach of the index procedure: anterior, posterior, or 360°. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63 years (59% males). ASD (40%), INF (23%), and IFP (22%) were observed in 85% of patients. CRS was performed with the same approach that was used in the index procedure in 64% of the anterior group and in 83% of the posterior group. In the 360° group, 64% of CRSs was performed with a posterior access. The early complication rate was 4.9%. The outcome was excellent in 19 patients (19%), good in 37 patients (36%), satisfactory in 27 patients (26%), and poor in six patients (6%). Thirteen patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. No implants failed radiologically or required surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: CRS required painstaking planning and mastery of a variety of surgical techniques. The results were rewarding in half and satisfactory in a quarter of the patients. The complication rate was lower than expected. In the most complex cases, referral to a specialized center is recommended. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A 7-Letter Coding System That Supports Decision-Making for the Surgical Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To validate with a prospective study a decision-supporting coding system for the surgical approach for multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS: Ten cases were presented on an internet platform, including clinical and imaging data. A single-approach (G1), a choice between 2 (G2), or 3 approaches (G3) were options. Senior and junior spine surgeons analyzed 7 parameters: location and extension of the compression of the spinal cord, C-spine alignment and instability, general morbidity and bone diseases, and K-line and multilevel corpectomy. For each parameter, an anterior, posterior, or combined approach was suggested. The most frequent letter or the last letter (if C) of the resulting 7-letter code (7LC) suggested the surgical approach. Each surgeon performed 2 reads per case within 8 weeks. RESULTS: G1: Interrater reliability between junior surgeons improved from the first read (κ = 0.40) to the second (κ = 0.76, p < 0.001) but did not change between senior surgeons (κ = 0.85). The intrarater reliability was similar for junior (κ = 0.78) and senior (κ = 0.71) surgeons. G2: Junior/senior surgeons agreed completely (58%/62%), partially (24%/23%), or did not agree (18%/15%) with the 7LC choice. G3: junior/senior surgeons agreed completely (50%/50%) or partially (50%/50%) with the 7LC choice. CONCLUSION: The 7LC showed good overall reliability. Junior surgeons went through a learning curve and converged to senior surgeons in the second read. The 7LC helps less experienced surgeons to analyze, in a structured manner, the relevant clinical and imaging parameters influencing the choice of the surgical approach, rather than simply pointing out the only correct one.

Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Odontoid Fractures in Geriatric Patients. / Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Behandlung von Frakturen des Dens axis bei geriatrischen Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Odontoid fractures in geriatric patients represent an entity of increasing incidence with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management is being controversially discussed in the literature. METHODS: In a consensus process and based on the current literature, the members of the working groups "Osteoporotic Fractures" and "Upper Cervical Spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) defined recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of odontoid fractures in geriatric patients. RESULTS: For the diagnosis of odontoid fractures in symptomatic patients, computed tomography represents the gold standard, along with conventional radiographs. Magnetic resonance and dynamic imaging can be used as ancillary imaging modalities. With regard to fracture classification, the systems described by Anderson/D'Alonzo and by Eysel/Roosen have proved to be of value. A treatment algorithm was developed based on these classifications. Anderson/D'Alonzo type 1, type 3, and non-displaced type 2 fractures usually can be treated non-operatively. However, a close clinical and radiological follow-up is essential. In Anderson/D'Alonzo type 2 fractures, operative treatment is associated with better fracture healing. Displaced type 2 and type 3 fractures should be stabilized operatively. Type 2 fractures with suitable fracture patterns (Eysel/Roosen 2A/B) can be stabilized anteriorly. Posterior C I/II-stabilization procedures are well established and suitable for all fracture patterns.

Recommendations for the Diagnostic Testing and Therapy of Atlas Fractures. / Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie oberer Halswirbelsäulenverletzungen: Atlasfrakturen.

In a consensus process with four sessions in 2017, the working group on "the upper cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures to the Upper Cervical Spine", incorporating their own experience and current literature. The following article describes the recommendations for the atlas vertebra. About 10% of all cervical spine injuries include the axis vertebra. The diagnostic process primarily aims to detect the injury and to determine joint incongruency and integrity of the atlas ring. For classification purposes, the Gehweiler classification and the Dickman classification are suitable. The Canadian c-spine rule is recommended for clinical screening for c-spine injuries. CT is the preferred imaging modality; MRI is needed to determine the integrity of the Lig. transversum atlantis in complete atlas ring fractures. Conservative treatment is appropriate in very many atlas fractures. Surgical treatment is recommended in existing or potential joint incongruity or instability, which are frequently seen in Gehweiler IIIB or Gehweiler IV fractures. Posterior atlanto-axial stabilisation and fusion using transarticular screws or an internal fixator are regarded as a gold standard in the majority of surgical cases. Especially in young patients, the possibility of isolated atlas osteosynthesis should be checked. A possible option for Gehweiler IV fractures is halo-fixation with mild distraction for ligamentotaxis. Secondary dislocation should be checked for frequently. Involvement of the occipito-atlantal joint complex requires stabilisation of the occiput as well.

Treatment of Injuries to the Subaxial Cervical Spine: Recommendations of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU).

STUDY DESIGN: Expert consensus. OBJECTIVES: To establish treatment recommendations for subaxial cervical spine injuries based on current literature and the knowledge of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. METHODS: This recommendation summarizes the knowledge of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. RESULTS: Therapeutic goals are a stable, painless cervical spine and protection against secondary neurologic damage while retaining maximum possible motion and spinal profile. The AOSpine classification for subaxial cervical injuries is recommended. The Canadian C-Spine Rule is recommended to decide on the need for imaging. Computed tomography is the favoured modality. Conventional x-ray is preserved for cases lacking a "dangerous mechanism of injury." Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in case of unexplained neurologic deficit, prior to closed reduction and to exclude disco-ligamentous injuries. Computed tomography angiography is recommended in high-grade facet joint injuries or in the presence of vertebra-basilar symptoms. A0-, A1- and A2-injuries are treated conservatively, but have to be monitored for progressive kyphosis. A3 injuries are operated in the majority of cases. A4- and B- and C-type injuries are treated surgically. Most injuries can be treated with anterior plate stabilization and interbody support; A4 fractures need vertebral body replacement. In certain cases, additive or pure posterior instrumentation is needed. Usually, lateral mass screws suffice. A navigation system is advised for pedicle screws from C3 to C6. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations provide a framework for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine Injuries. They give advice about diagnostic measures and the therapeutic strategy.

Surgical vs. non-surgical management of displaced type-2 odontoid fractures in patients aged 75 years and older: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Displaced odontoid fractures in the elderly are treated non-surgically with a cervical collar or surgically with C1-C2 fusion. Due to the paucity of evidence, the treatment decision is often left to the discretion of the expert surgeon. METHODS: The Uppsala Study on Odontoid Fracture Treatment (USOFT) is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled superiority trial evaluating the clinical superiority of the surgical treatment of type-2 odontoid fractures, with a 1-year Neck Disability Index (NDI) as the primary endpoint. Fifty consecutive patients aged ≥ 75 years, with displaced type-2 odontoid fracture, are randomised to non-surgical or surgical treatment. Excluded are patients with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 4, dementia nursing care or anatomical cervical anomalies. The minimal clinically important difference of the NDI is 3.5 points. A minimum of 16 patients are needed in each group to test the superiority with 80% power. By considering a 1-year mortality forecast of 29%, up to 25 participants are recruited in each group. The non-surgical group is fitted with a rigid cervical collar for 12 weeks. The surgical group is treated with a posterior C1-C2 fusion. All participants are monitored with regard to the NDI, EuroQol score (EQ-5D), socio-demographics and computed tomography (CT) at the time of injury, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months. At 12 months, a dynamic radiographical investigation of upper cervical stability is performed. The secondary endpoints are: EQ-5D score, activities of daily living (ADL), bony union, upper cervical stability and mortality. DISCUSSION: USOFT is the first randomised controlled trial comparing non-surgical and surgical management of type-2 odontoid fractures in the elderly. Using the NDI and EQ-5D as endpoints, future value-based decisions may consider quality-adjusted life years gained. Major limitations are (1) the allocation bias of the open-label study design, (2) that only higher training levels of all core specialties of spine surgery are included in the surgical treatment arm and (3) that only one type of surgical stabilisation is investigated (posterior C1-C2 fusion), while other methods are not included in this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02789774 . Registered retrospectively on 25 August 2015.