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.

Comparison of pedicle screw misplacement following open vs. percutaneous dorsal instrumentation after traumatic spinal fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Dorsal stabilization is a frequently used procedure in the treatment of acute traumatic vertebral body fractures. Besides the traditional open surgical procedure, the percutaneous positioning of pedicle screws is now widely used. The aim of the current study is to compare pedicle screw misplacement following open vs. percutaneous dorsal instrumentation after traumatic spinal fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine and to assess possible risk factors associated with pedicle screw misplacement. METHODS: All patients who suffered a traumatic spinal fracture that were treated with dorsal stabilization in our level I trauma center in the period from 01/2007 to 03/2014 were included in this retrospective therapeutic cohort study. From 01/2007 to 06/2009, an open surgical procedure was used, and from 06/2009 to 03/2014, the percutaneous procedure was used for all types of fractures. Retrospectively, the positioning of every single pedicle screw was evaluated in the post-operative computed tomography scan and classified. Epidemiological data were also documented to compare the two treatment groups. RESULTS: A total of 491 patients with 681 vertebral body fractures were included. Of 733 pedicle screws placed during the open surgery procedure, 96.0% were within the safe zone. There was no significant difference compared with pedicle screws placed percutaneously (95.3% of 1884 screws). In all other categories, the number of misplaced pedicle screws also showed no differences between the two treatment groups. There is a positive correlation between pedicle screw misplacement and duration of the operation. Most pedicle screws are misplaced at the levels T12, L1 and T7, T8. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that percutaneous surgery using dorsal stabilization allows the positioning of pedicle screws in an equivalently safe manner compared with an open surgical procedure in the acute care of spinal trauma.

[Biomechanical compensatory mechanisms of hips and spine : The essentials for spine and hip surgeons]. / Biomechanische Kompensationsmechanismen der Hüftgelenke und der Wirbelsäule : Das Wesentliche für Wirbelsäulen- und Hüftchirurgen.

Spinal alignment changes with age and degeneration. Different compensatory mechanisms of the spine are necessary to preserve spinal balance. The capacity of compensation of the spine decreases with age. Thus, the pelvis and the lower limbs become involved in the compensatory mechanism. Concomitant osteoarthritis of the hip could impair this capacity. The biomechanical principles of compensation are described with respect to planning reconstructive hip and spine surgery.

[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.

Reduction in Traumatic Spine Injuries in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine With Percutaneous Versus Open Dorsal Stabilization.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Doubts still remain whether a sufficient reduction of vertebral body fractures can be achieved if a percutaneous surgical approach is adopted. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the reduction and perioperative complications using a percutaneous versus open surgical approach for dorsal stabilization. METHODS: Patients suffering from a traumatic injury of the thoracic or lumbar spine who were treated with dorsal stabilization at our level 1 trauma center were included. From January 2007 through June 2009, only the open approach was used; from June 2009 through March 2014, only the percutaneous approach with a special reduction technique was used. Retrospectively, total reduction, perioperative and intraoperative data, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Using the percutaneous (n=185) versus open surgical approach (n=91), the mean reduction over all spinal injuries was 7.7±6.6 versus 8.3±5.5 degrees, respectively. The mean operation time was 75.5±50.2 versus 71.5±41.9 minutes, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 treatment groups in terms of the total reduction (P=0.753) or operation time (P=0.814).After the percutaneous and open surgical approach, 7 (3.8%) and 22 (24.2%) complications were documented. Complications requiring interventions were more frequent in the open treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous dorsal stabilization seems to be a good alternative to the traditional open surgical approach. The fracture's reduction is similar, whereas severe complications are reduced and the operation time is not prolonged. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

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.

Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures of the Ring of Axis. / Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie oberer Halswirbelsäulenverletzungen: Axisringfrakturen.

In a consensus process with four sessions in 2017, the working group "upper cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Upper Cervical Fractures", taking their own experience and the current literature into consideration. The following article describes the recommendations for axis ring fractures (traumatic spondylolysis C2). About 19 to 49% of all cervical spine injuries include the axis vertebra. Traumatic spondylolysis of C2 may include potential discoligamentous instability C2/3. The primary aim of the diagnostic process is to detect the injury and to determine potential disco-ligamentous instability C2/3. For classification purposes, the Josten classification or the modified Effendi classification may be used. The Canadian C-spine rule is recommended for clinical screening for C-spine injuries. CT is the preferred imaging modality and an MRI is needed to determine the integrity of the discoligamentous complex C2/3. Conservative treatment is appropriate in case of stable fractures with intact C2/3 motion segment (Josten type 2 and 2). Patients should be closely monitored, in order to detect secondary dislocation as early as possible. Surgical treatment is recommended in cases of primary severe fracture dislocation or discoligamentous instability C2/3 (Josten 3 and 4) and/or secondary fracture dislocation. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) C2/3 is the treatment of choice. However, in case of facet joint luxation C2/3 with looked facet (Josten 4), a primary posterior approach may be necessary.

Minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous posterior fixation of one-level traumatic thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Although open procedures are the gold standard, the alternative approach of minimal invasive reduction using percutaneous screws for thoracic and lumbar spine fractures is under discussion. Aim of this study was to investigate the results of reduction and the accuracy of screw placement in minimally invasive percutaneous posterior instrumentation for these fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients with thoraco-lumbar and lumbar burst fractures and minimal invasive dorsal instrumentation were analyzed retrospectively in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement and results of fracture reduction. RESULTS: In total, 542 screws were placed. Thirty-four (6.3%) screws of 22 patients (17.3%) were misplaced, but misplacement was minimal, replacement of any screw position due to instability was not necessary, and no new neurological deficit occurred. In thoraco-lumbar fractures (82/64.5%), reduction succeeded from 2.5 ± 6° kyphosis to 5.6 ± 5.7° lordosis (p < 0.001) and in lumbar spine fractures from 6.9° ± 10.3° lordosis to 14.5° ± 8.8° lordosis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive percutaneous dorsal instrumentation of burst fractures of the thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine provides adequate reduction and reliable regular screw placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective series).

Motion and dural sac compression in the upper cervical spine during the application of a cervical collar in case of unstable craniocervical junction-A study in two new cadaveric trauma models.

BACKGROUND: Unstable conditions of the craniocervical junction such as atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) or atlanto-axial instability (AAI) are severe injuries with a high risk of tetraplegia or death. Immobilization by a cervical collar to protect the patient from secondary damage is a standard procedure in trauma patients. If the application of a cervical collar to a patient with an unstable craniocervical condition may cause segmental motion and secondary injury to the spinal cord is unknown. The aim of the current study is (i) to analyze compression on the dural sac and (ii) to determine relative motion of the cervical spine during the procedure of applying a cervical collar in case of ligamentous unstable craniocervical junction. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Ligamentous AOD as well as AOD combined with ligamentous AAI was simulated in two newly developed cadaveric trauma models. Compression of the dural sac and segmental angulation in the upper cervical spine were measured on video fluoroscopy after myelography during the application of a cervical collar. Furthermore, overall three-dimensional motion of the cervical spine was measured by a motion tracking system. In six cadavers each, the two new trauma models on AOD and AOD combined with AAI could be implemented. Mean dural sac compression was significantly increased to -1.1 mm (-1.3 to -0.7 mm) in case of AOD and -1.2 mm (-1.6 to -0.6 mm) in the combined model of AOD and AAI. Furthermore, there is a significant increased angulation at the C0/C1 level in the AOD model. Immense three-dimensional movement up to 22.9° of cervical spine flexion was documented during the procedure. CONCLUSION: The current study pointed out that applying a cervical collar in general will cause immense three-dimensional movement. In case of unstable craniocervical junction, this leads to a dural sac compression and thus to possible damage to the spinal cord.

Spinal movement and dural sac compression during airway management in a cadaveric model with atlanto-occipital instability.

PURPOSE: To analyze the compression of the dural sac and the cervical spinal movement during performing different airway interventions in case of atlanto-occipital dislocation. METHODS: In six fresh cadavers, atlanto-occipital dislocation was performed by distracting the opened atlanto-occipital joint capsule and sectioning the tectorial membrane. Airway management was done using three airway devices (direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, and insertion of a laryngeal tube). The change of dural sac's width and intervertebral angulation in stable and unstable atlanto-occipital conditions were recorded by video fluoroscopy with myelography. Three-dimensional overall movement of cervical spine was measured in a wireless human motion track system. RESULTS: Compared with a mean dural sac compression of - 0.5 mm (- 0.7 to - 0.3 mm) in stable condition, direct laryngoscopy caused an increased dural sac compression of - 1.6 mm (- 1.9 to - 0.6 mm, p = 0.028) in the unstable atlanto-occipital condition. No increased compression on dural sac was found using video laryngoscopy or the laryngeal tube. Moreover, direct laryngoscopy caused greater overall extension and rotation of cervical spine than laryngeal tube insertion in both stable and unstable conditions. Among three procedures, the insertion of a laryngeal tube took the shortest time. CONCLUSION: In case of atlanto-occipital dislocation, intubation using direct laryngoscopy exacerbates dural sac compression and may cause damage to the spinal cord.

[Trisegmental fusion by vertebral body replacement : Outcome following traumatic multisegmental fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine]. / Trisegmentale Fusion durch Wirbelkörperersatzimplantate : Outcome nach traumatisch bedingten mehrsegmentalen Frakturen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule.

BACKGROUND: Around 5% of all trauma patients suffer from spinal trauma. Spinal fractures are mainly located in the thoracic and lumbar spine. For multisegmental vertebral fractures categorized as instable, combined dorsal instrumentation and ventral stabilization is recommended. Numerous vertebral body replacement systems are available for ventral stabilization. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to analyze radiological results following the implantation of a hydraulic expandable vertebral body replacement and the evaluation of patients' outcome three years after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who suffered traumatic multisegmental fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine in the period from September 2009 to September 2012 were included in this study. Patients with additional injuries or abnormal sensitivity or motor function were excluded from the current study. All patients underwent dorsal percutaneous instrumentation. Afterwards, implantation of the vertebral body replacement was performed via the mini-open approach at our level I trauma center. In the computed tomography and X­ray imaging, the sagittal kyphotic angle was measured. Furthermore, the clinical outcome (patients' satisfaction, VAS spine score) was analyzed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: During the above mentioned period, seven patients (four female; three male) underwent dorsal instrumentation and ventral trisegmental fusion and were identified fitting the inclusion/exclusion criteria and thus could be included in the study. Most fractures were located in the thoracic-lumbar junction and were categorized A4 according to the AO Spine classification system. The analysis of the radiological data showed a pre-operative average traumatic segmental angle of 18.1 ± 14.9°, which could be decreased by reposition procedure to 6.4 ± 1.7°. The complete follow-up, including the data three years after implantation of the vertebral body implant, was available for three patients. The traumatic segmental angle remained stable in the follow-up three years later. In one case, a subsidence of the implant of 1.5 mm was observed, having no influence on the patients' satisfaction. All three patients indicated to be very satisfied with their outcome. The VAS spine score rating was in the range between 62.4 and 70.2. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows that in the case of multisegmental fractures complete reposition by ligamentotaxis and by the percutaneous instrumentation system is possible. In addition to the percutaneous dorsal instrumentation, the implantation of a hydraulically expandable vertebral body replacement may allow a stable fusion after complex traumatic fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Patients are very satisfied with their outcome after this procedure.

[Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: Treatment Recommendations of the German Orthopedic and Trauma Society]. / Therapieempfehlungen zur Versorgung von Verletzungen der subaxialen Halswirbelsäule.

In a consensus process during four sessions in 2016, the working group "lower cervical spine" of the German Society for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), formulated "Therapeutic Recommendations for the Lower Cervical Spine", taking into consideration the current literature. Therapeutic goals are a permanently stable, painless cervical spine and the protection against secondary neurologic damage while retaining the greatest possible amount of motion and spinal profile. Due to its ease of use and its proven good reliability, the AOSpine classification for subaxial cervical injuries should be used. The Canadian C-Spine Rule is recommended as a clinical decision rule whether to perform imaging or not. If a structural or unstable injury is suspected by patient history or clinical findings, a spiral CT scan of the cervical spine is the favoured diagnostic modality. Conventional X-ray is reserved for patients in whom there is no "dangerous mechanism of injury". MR imaging is recommended in case of unexplained neurologic deficit, prior to closed reduction and open posterior surgery and to exclude disco-ligamentous injuries. Urgency of MR imaging depends on the specific findings. CT angiography is recommended in higher-grade facet joint injuries or in the presence of vertebra-basilar symptoms. Flexion-extension imaging is recommended only as a physician-guided dynamic fluoroscopy, when an unstable lesion is still suspected. The therapeutic strategy is mainly dependent on morphologic criteria, which are described using the AOSpine classification. A0-injuries are treated conservatively. A1- and A2-injuries are treated conservatively in the majority of cases, and in single cases a gross kyphotic deformity might indicate surgical stabilisation. A3-injuries do indicate a surgical therapy in the majority of cases, but certain cases might be treated conservatively. A4-fractures as well as B- and C-type injuries are to be treated surgically. Most injuries can be treated by anterior plate stabilisation with interbody support; when a complete burst fracture is present, corpectomy and vertebral body replacement is necessary. In certain cases, an additive posterior or pure posterior instrumentation might be possible or even mandatory. In most of these cases, lateral mass screws are sufficient; when pedicle screws are applied in C3 to C6, a 3D-navigation system is recommended. Injuries in an ankylosing spine (M3-modifier) should be treated preferably from posterior with long-segment instrumentation.

Radiological Results and Clinical Patient Outcome After Implantation of a Hydraulic Expandable Vertebral Body Replacement following Traumatic Vertebral Fractures in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: A 3-Year Follow-Up.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective monocentric study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was the analysis of patient outcome and radiological results 3 years after implantation of a hydraulic expandable vertebral body replacement (VBR) system. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Around 70% to 90% of all traumatic spinal fractures are located in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Dorso-ventral stabilization is a frequently used procedure in traumatic vertebral body fracture treatment. VBR systems can be used to bridge bony defects. In the current study, a new VBR expanded by water pressure with adjustable endplates is used. METHODS: All patients who suffered a singular traumatic fracture to a thoracic or lumbar vertebral body (Th 5-L 5) in the period from November 2009 to December 2010 and (i) underwent dorsal instrumentation and (ii) afterwards received the implantation of a hydraulic VBR were included in this study. The clinical outcome (visual analogue scale [VAS] spine score, questionnaire) and radiological findings (sagittal angle, implant subsidence, and implant position) 3 years after implantation were analyzed. RESULTS: The follow-up was successful for n = 47 patients (follow-up rate: 89%). Most of the patients (n = 40) were "generally/very satisfied" with their outcome. The mean rating of the VAS spine score was 65.2 ±â€Š23.1 (range: 20.5-100.0). The analysis of the radiological data showed an average subsidence of the implants of 1.1 ±â€Š1.2 mm (range 0.0-5.0 mm). After the initial operation, the local sagittal angle remained stable in the follow-up 3 years later both for the thoracic spine and lumbar spine. Furthermore, no change in the implant's position was observed. CONCLUSION: The implantation of a hydraulically expandable VBR allows a permanent stable fixation after traumatic fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Analysis of complications and perioperative data after open or percutaneous dorsal instrumentation following traumatic spinal fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine: a retrospective cohort study including 491 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study is to analyze perioperative data and complications of open vs. percutaneous dorsal instrumentation after dorsal stabilization in patients suffering from fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine. METHODS: In the time period from 01/2007 to 06/2009, open surgical approach was used for dorsal stabilization. The percutaneous surgical approach was used from 05/2009 to 03/2014. In every time period, all types of fractures were treated only by open or by percutaneous approach, respectively, to avoid any selection bias. Retrospectively, epidemiological data, complications and perioperative data were documented and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 491 patients met the inclusion criteria. Open surgery procedure was carried out on 169 patients, and percutaneous surgery procedure was carried out on 322 patients. Fracture level ranged from T1 to L5, and fractures were classified types A, B, and C. In 91.4% of all patients, no complication occured following dorsal stabilization after traumatic spine fracture during their hospital stay. However, 42 complications related to dorsal stabilization have been documented during the hospital stay. The complication rate was 14.8% if open surgical approach has been used and was significantly reduced to 5.3% using percutaneous surgical approach. Post-operative hospital stay was also reduced significantly using the percutaneous surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: According to the current study, percutaneous dorsal stabilization of the spine could also be safely used in trauma cases and is not restricted to degenerative spinal surgery.

Influence of Previous Comorbidities and Common Complications on Motor Function after Early Surgical Treatment of Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

The influence of complications and comorbidities on the outcome of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury after early surgery is unclear. The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of previous comorbidities and common complications on motor function outcome of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury if early surgery was performed. All patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury who were initially surgically treated in our hospital in the period from January 2008 to December 2013 were included in this study. Epidemiological data and previous comorbidities (cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, spinal) were documented. A neurological assessment was performed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score. Retrospectively, patients' personal data (age, gender, comorbidities) and clinical data (complications, ASIA score, motor function) were analyzed statistically. A total of 133 patients met the inclusion criteria. The level of spinal cord injury ranged from C3 to L4. Motor function was improved from 51.5 ± 24.8 to 60.1 ± 25.0 (improvement: 25.7%). The most common complications were urinary tract infection and pneumonia. There is a significant relationship between a lack of previous spinal comorbidities and a better outcome in terms of motor function. No other comorbidities or complications showed any effect on motor function outcome. The current study shows that motor function was able to be improved in patients who were given early surgery after a traumatic spinal cord injury. Common complications as well as previous cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic comorbidities do not impair motor function outcome. The final motor function score is reduced if patients have previous spinal comorbidities.