RESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive case series study. PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency, bone pattern, and associated lesions to the spine of gunshot wounds. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Gunshot wounds are penetrating in nature and are caused by a bullet or projectile. These are becoming more common and are associated with significant sequelae, requiring long and costly multidisciplinary treatment. Associated spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the civilian population represent 13%-17% of all spinal traumas. Spinal gunshot wounds are commonly thought to be stable; however, there is potential acute and chronic spinal instability if the bullet passes transversely, fracturing either both pedicles or both facet joints. METHODS: We obtained data from the clinical files of patients with spinal gunshot wounds treated by spine surgeons. We performed a statistical analysis to obtain the pattern and frequency of the injuries. RESULTS: We included 54 patients (48 men [89%] and six women [11%]). Eight patterns of spinal gunshot wounds were identified; 61% (33 patients) had complete SCI. The thoracic spine was most frequently affected, with 88% of patients having SCI; 75%, hemopneumothorax; 28%, pulmonary lesions; and 16%, hepatic lesions. The presence of pedicle fractures had an odds ratio of 3.64 for SCI. CONCLUSIONS: The two main bone patterns are the vertebral body and posterior arch with pedicle fractures as modifiers, given that they are at a high risk for SCI. The spinal pattern and associated lesions were related to the bullet's path, with the vertebral body having the highest frequency of associated lesions. Vertebral body burst fracture was the main indication for instrumentation.
RESUMEN
ABSTRACT Objective: To identify whether the use of prophylactic intrasite vancomycin as an adjuvant is a protective factor against deep tissue infection of the surgical site. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, case-control study evaluating 210 patients, of whom 70 received intrasite vancomycin (case group) and 140 were controls. It was made a follow up for at least one year, reviewing the physical and electronic records. Data were tabulated in spreadsheets (Excel) including all variables and the statistical analysis was made with Epi InfoTM 7 to calculate the odds ratio. Results: Seven cases of deep infection occurred in the control group and none was found in the case group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.1262 [0.007-2.24], P = 0.1585). Among the predisposing factors, diabetes and surgical time were the most relevant. Conclusions: Intrasite use of vancomycin has a protective effect against deep infection in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery without presenting considerable side effects.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar si el uso de vancomicina transtisular profiláctica como coadyuvante es un factor protector contra la infección de tejidos profundos del sitio quirúrgico. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, de carácter descriptivo, con casos y controles que evaluó 210 pacientes, de los cuales a 70 se les aplicó vancomicina (grupo de casos) y 140 controles. Realizado un seguimiento de al menos un año, revisando el expediente físico y electrónico. Los datos fueron tabulados en hojas de cálculo (Excel) incluyendo todas las variables, y aplicamos el análisis estadístico con Epi InfoTM 7, para calcular la razón de momios. Resultados: Se presentaron 7 casos de infección profunda en el grupo control, ninguno en el grupo de casos (razón de momios [intervalo de confianza del 95%]: 0,1262 [0,007 a 2,24], p = 0,1585). Entre los factores predisponentes encontramos que la diabetes y el tiempo quirúrgico fueron de mayor relevancia. Conclusiones: El uso de vancomicina transtisular ejerce un efecto protector contra la infección profunda en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de fusión lumbar sin presentar efectos colaterales de consideración.
RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar se o uso de vancomicina profilática como adjuvante no sítio cirúrgico é um fator de proteção contra a infecção dos tecidos profundos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, de caso-controle, que avaliou 210 pacientes, dos quais 70 receberam vancomicina no sítio cirúrgico (grupo caso) e 140 eram controles. Foi feito o acompanhamento por pelo menos um ano, revendo os registros físicos e eletrônicos. Os dados foram tabulados em planilhas (Excel), incluindo todas as variáveis, e a análise estatística foi realizada com o Epi InfoTM 7 para calcular as razões de probabilidade. Resultados: Foram encontradas 7 ocorrências de infecção profunda no grupo controle e nenhum no grupo de casos (razão de probabilidades [intervalo de confiança de 95%]: 0,1262 [0,007-2,24], P = 0,1585). Entre os fatores predisponentes, o diabetes e o tempo cirúrgico foram os mais relevantes. Conclusões: O uso de vancomicina no sítio cirúrgico exerce efeito protetor contra a infecção profunda em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de fusão lombar sem apresentar efeitos colaterais importantes.