The role of cervical pedicle screw in cervical spine trauma: A single-center retrospective study.

Placement of pedicle screw in the subaxial cervical spine is a challenging and complex technique but provides significant biomechanical advantages. Despite its potential complications, the role and use of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) are growing. A literature review of the significant articles on applying pedicle screws in the subaxial cervical spine was done (articles between 1994 and 2020). Furthermore, our center´s experience of 15 years related to CPS is also discussed in this study. Transpedicular instrumentation in the subaxial cervical spine requires profound anatomical knowledge and meticulous surgical technique. This technique provides superior biomechanical stability compared to the other cervical fixation techniques. Pull-out strength of CPS is twice as compared to the lateral mass screws. There have been numerous variations in the technique of CPS, varying from open techniques to minimally invasive and the use of biomodels and templates during this procedure. Clinically, CPS can be used in different cervical trauma situations, such as fracture-dislocations, floating lateral mass, and fractures associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Despite the possibility of neurovascular injury due to the proximity of the vertebral artery, spinal cord, and spinal nerves to the cervical pedicles, scientific literature, and our center × s experience show low risk, and this technique can be performed safely. CPS placement is a safe procedure, and it has great potential in the management of cervical spine trauma.

Spine Trauma Secondary to Diving Accidents: A Seven-year Retrospective Study in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Review the profile of patients with spinal trauma after diving accidents referred to the Puerto Rico Medical Center. This study intended to develop more awareness of the risks of spinal cord injury after diving. METHODS: The patient's records for diving accident cases referred to our center during January 2014 until December 2020 were assessed retrospectively. The cases were evaluated according to sex, age, vertebral level, and neurological deficit. The Puerto Rico Medical Center is the only level 1 trauma center in Puerto Rico; therefore, this study likely included all the cases of diving injury on the island. RESULTS: Sixty five patients with a median age of 29 years were identified consisting primarily of males (94%). The regions affected included the cervical (96%), thoracic (2%), and lumbar (2%) spine. Twenty-seven patients (42%) developed a spinal cord injury secondary to a diving accident. Involvement of the C4, C5, or C6 vertebral level, was significant for the development of a spinal cord injury. Diving accidents occurring at beaches were the most common cause. CONCLUSION: In Puerto Rico, there is a yearly incidence of 9.3 diving accidents causing spinal trauma; these accidents most frequently affect the C6 vertebra. These diving accidents mainly occur in young individuals, predominantly at beaches. Most of our patients were neurologically intact after their diving accident, although 42% sustained a spinal cord injury. This study provided a better understanding of this traumatic event and determined its most affected levels, accident sites, and population involved.

Spinal canal invasion as a predictor of neurological deficit in traumatic vertebral burst fractures.

Background: This study correlated the extent of spinal canal compression from retropulsed traumatic burst cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine fractures with the severity of neurological dysfunction. Methods: One hundred and sixty-nine patients with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar sub-axial traumatic burst fractures were seen in an emergency department from 2019 to 2021; 79.3% were men, averaging 37 years of age. The lumbar spine was most frequently involved (42%), followed by the thoracic (36.1%) and cervical (21.9%) levels. The extent of spinal canal compression was quantitated utilizing Hashimoto's method, and correlated with patients' extent of neurological injury based on their American Spinal Injury Association scores. Results: There was a positive correlation between the extent of cervical and thoracic spinal cord compression due to retro pulsed burst fragments and the severity of the patients' neurological deficits, but this was not true for the lumbar spine. Conclusion: The extent of spinal cord compression from retropulsed cervical and thoracic traumatic burst fractures was readily correlated with the severity of patients' neurological dysfunction. However, there was no such correlation between the extent of cauda equina compression from retropulsed lumbar burst fractures and the severity of their cauda equina syndromes.

Efecto de la maniobra de fijación en línea en la clasificación de Cormack-Lehane / Effect of the in-line fixation maneuver on Cormack-Lehane classification

Resumen: Introducción: El manejo correcto de la vía aérea en los pacientes politraumatizados es crucial, ya que es necesario tener una vía aérea segura y proveer adecuada ventilación sin emperorar una probable lesión medular. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la maniobra de fijación en línea (MILS del inglés Manual In-Line Stabilisation) en la clasificación de Cormack-Lehane (CL), así como la correlación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Material y métodos: En un estudio descriptivo en el Centro Hospitalario del Estado Mayor Presidencial en la Ciudad de México se incluyeron 56 pacientes con estado físico ASA I a IV. El anestesiólogo realizó la laringoscopía directa bajo MILS y valoró el grado de CL. Inmediatamente después se reposicionó al paciente en posición de olfateo, se efectuó nueva laringoscopía directa y se revaloró de nuevo el grado de CL. Resultados: Los grados del CL fueron significativamente diferentes entre la posición MILS versus olfateo. Los grados de CL fueron en su mayoría altos cuando se posicionó al paciente en MILS (75% de los pacientes clasificados entre III y IV) y disminuyeron significativamente al ser cambiados a posición de olfateo. Conclusión: Se observa mejoría del CL cuando se cambia de posición MILS a olfateo.

Abstract: Introduction: Correct airway management of polytraumatized patients is crucial because of the necessity of securing the airway and providing adequate ventilation without worsening a probable spinal cord injury. Objective: Determine the effect of manual inline stabilization (MILS) on Cormack-Lehane classification and if there is any correlation with body mass index (BMI). Material and methods: In a descriptive study at the Centro Hospitalario del Estado Mayor Presidencial in Mexico City, we included 56 patients with ASA physical status I to IV. The anesthesiologist performed direct laryngoscopy while MILS was performed and observed the CL grade. Immediately after, the patient was repositioned into the sniffing position, direct laryngoscopy was performed, and the CL grade was observed again. Results: The CL grades observed were significantly different between MILS vs. Sniffing position. CL grades were mainly high when positioned in MILS (75% classified as grades III and IV) and diminished significantly when changed to the sniffing position. Conclusion: Improvement of CL grade was observed when changing from MILS to sniffing position.

Can Paraplegia by Disruption of the Spinal Cord Tissue Be Reversed? The Signs of a New Perspective.

Central nervous system (CNS) trauma is often related to tissue loss, leading to partial or complete disruption of spinal cord function due to neuronal death. Although generally irreversible, traditional therapeutic efforts, such as physical therapy exercises, are generally recommended, but with a poor or reduced improvement of the microenvironment, which in turn stimulates neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have paracrine, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. Here we use stem cells to see if they can promote not only physical but also the functional regeneration of neuronal tissue in dogs with CNS traumas. Two dogs, one with chronic spinal cord injury and one with subacute spinal cord injury, underwent infusion of autologous MSCs in association with physiotherapy. The two treatments in combination were able to partially or completely recover the dog's walking movement again. The treatment of MSCs in association with physical therapy improved the microenvironment, which could be evidence of a paradigm shift that the CNS is not capable of functional regeneration after aggressive traumas. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1812-1820, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en el tratamiento de fracturas tóracolumbares / Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

Objetivo: Analizar y describir una serie de fracturas tóraco-lumbares traumáticas tratadas con cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Material y métodos: Analizamos una serie de 26 pacientes con fracturas traumáticas tóraco-lumbosacras entre 2010-2017. Las imágenes pre-operatorias fueron clasificadas usando la clasificación AO. Analizamos en forma pre y post operatoria: escala visual analógica, volumen de pérdida sanguínea, duración de la hospitalización, complicaciones, cirugías asociadas en otros órganos, extracción de implantes en el largo plazo, estado neurológico pre y post quirúrgico y mortalidad.Los pacientes con historias clínicas completas, TAC pre-operatoria y un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses fueron incluidos (18 hombres y 8 mujeres). La edad promedio fue de 28.7 años (21-84 años); seguimiento promedio de 28 meses (13-86 meses). Dieciocho pacientes fueron manejados con instrumentaciones percutáneas, 8 recibieron vertebroplastias, y en 5 casos se realizó además algún gesto de artrodesis. Resultados: La EVA mejoró 7 puntos promedio respecto al pre-operatorio; el promedio de sangrado fue de 40 mL, no observamos ningún caso de empeoramiento neurológico. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 3.9 días. Cuatro enfermos necesitaron alguna cirugía en otro órgano producto de sus politraumatismos.Los tornillos percutáneos fueron removidos en 9 casos luego de la consolidación. Como complicaciones tuvimos: 1 hematoma retroperitoneal autolimitado, una fractura pedicular y una cánula de cementación rota adentro de un pedículo. Conclusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva en trauma espinal es una alternativa válida que permite estabilización, movilización precoz y logra buenos resultados en términos de control del dolor con baja tasa de complicaciones

Objective: To analyze and describe a series of trauma-related thoraco-lumbo-sacral vertebral fractures managed with minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We retrospectively review the charts and images of 26 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures between 2010-2017. Pre-op images were assessed and fractures were classified according to the thoraco-lumbar trauma AO Spine classification. We analyzed pre and post-surgical visual analog scale (VAS), blood loss during surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, associated surgical procedures, long term post-op implant removal, pre and post neurological status and mortality.Patients with a complete case record, pre-op CT scans and minimum 12-month follow up were included (18 males and 8 females). Mean age was 28.7 years (21-84 years); mean post-op follow up was 28 month (13-86 months). Eighteen patients were managed with percutaneous instrumentation, 8 patients also received percutaneous vertebroplasty, and 5 patients underwent also some arthrodesis procedure. Results: VAS improved 7 points as compared to the pre-op score; mean blood loss was 40 mL, we did not observed any neurological deficit worsening. Mean hospital length of stay was 3.9 days. Four patients needed surgical procedures involving other organs due to politrauma. Percutaneous screws were removed in 9 cases after fracture consolidation. Complications were: one case of self-limiting retroperitoneal hematoma, one case of pedicle screw fracture and one cement broken cannula into the pedicle. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery in spine trauma is a valid option allowing stabilization, early mobilization, and leading to good outcomes in terms of pain control and a lower complication rate

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com fratura da coluna cervical tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brasil) / Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Cervical Spine Fractures Treated Surgically in the Neurosurgery Service at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brazil)

Introdução As fraturas cervicais correspondem a um grande espectro de lesões. Em alguns trabalhos a coluna cervical é o segmento mais acometido nas fraturas vertebrais, representando cerca de 45-60% de todos os casos. Apresentamos o perfil epidemiológico de 48 pacientes com fratura traumática da coluna cervical tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Métodos Trata-se de um trabalho retrospectivo, baseado na revisão de prontuários médicos, de pacientes com fratura da coluna cervical operados no período de julho de 2007 a julho de 2012. Resultados Predomínio do sexo masculino (89,5%); a faixa etária mais comum é de 20-40 anos (50%); idade média do sexo masculino é de 36,6 anos e do feminino, 19,8 anos (teste t: p » 0,04); vértebra mais fraturada: C5 (53,3%); 54,1% dos indivíduos apresentam algum déficit neurológico; fratura do tipo B é mais comum na coluna cervical (62,2%); mecanismos do trauma: acidente automobilístico (41,6%), queda de altura (20,8%), acidente motociclístico (12,5%), outros (25,1%); déficit neurológico da cervical alta (zero) e subaxial de 57,7% (p » 0,052); déficit neurológico masculino de 53,4% e feminino de 60% (p > 0,05); déficit neurológico do tipo A de 71,4%, do tipo B de 55,5%, e do tipo C de 54,5% (p > 0,05). Conclusão A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e da faixa etária entre 20 e 40 anos de idade, sendo as mulheres mais jovens que os homens. Cerca de 54,1% dos pacientes apresentavam déficit neurológico à admissão hospitalar e tinham C5 como principal vértebra fraturada. A fratura tipo distração (tipo B da AO) foi a mais encontrada. O principal mecanismo do trauma foram os acidentes de trânsito seguido pelas quedas de altura.

Introduction The cervical fractures represent a wide spectrum of injuries. In some works, the cervical spine is the segment most affected vertebral fractures, representing 45­60% of all cases.We present the epidemiological profile of forty-eight patients with traumatic cervical spine fracture surgically treated in the neurosurgery service at the Hospital of the Federal District. Methods This was a retrospective study, based on a review of medical records of patients with cervical spine fracture surgery from July 2007 to July 2012. Results Predominance of males (89.5%), the most common age group is 20­40 years (50%), mean age: males (36.6 years) and females (19.8 years) (t-test p » 0.04); fractured vertebra: C5 (53.3%), 54.1% of subjects have a neurological deficit, fracture type B is more common in the cervical spine (62.2%), mechanism of injury: motor vehicle accidents (41.6%), fall (20.8%), motorcycle (12.5%), other (25.1%), neurological deficit: high cervical 0 cases, subaxial 57.7% (p » 0.052); neurological deficit: male 53.4%, female 60% (p> 0.05); neurological deficit: 71.4% Type A, Type B 55.5% 54.5% Type C (p> 0.05). Conclusion Most patients were male and the age group between 20­40 years of age, with younger women than men. Approximately 54.1% of the patients had neurologic deficit on admission and had as main fractured vertebra C5. The distraction fractures (AO Type B) was found most frequently. The main mechanism of injury were traffic accidents followed by falls from height.

Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Injury Severity Score System: A Literature Review of Its Safety.

Study Design Systematic literature review. Objective The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score System (TLICS) is widely used to help guide the treatment of thoracolumbar spine trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of the TLICS in clinical practice. Methods Using the Medline database without time restriction, we performed a systematic review using the keyword "Thoracolumbar Injury Classification," searching for articles utilizing the TLICS. We classified the results according to their level of evidence and main conclusions. Results Nine articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. One article evaluated the safety of the TLICS based on its clinical application (level II). The eight remaining articles were based on retrospective application of the score, comparing the proposed treatment suggested by the TLICS with the treatment patients actually received (level III). The TLICS was safe in surgical and nonsurgical treatment with regards to neurologic status. Some studies reported that the retrospective application of the TLICS had inconsistencies with the treatment of burst fractures without neurologic deficits. Conclusions This literature review suggested that the TLICS use was safe especially with regards to preservation or improvement of neurologic function. Further well-designed multicenter prospective studies of the TLICS application in the decision making process would improve the evidence of its safety. Special attention to the TLICS application in the treatment of stable burst fractures is necessary.

Evaluation of the SLICS use in the treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries / Avaliação do SLICS no tratamento das lesões da coluna cervical sub-axial

The SLICS (Sub-axial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System) was proposed to help in the decision-making of sub-axial cervical spine trauma (SCST), even though the literature assessing its safety and efficacy is scarce. Method We compared a cohort series of patients surgically treated based on surgeon’s preference with patients treated based on the SLICS. Results From 2009-10, 12 patients were included. The SLICS score ranged from 2 to 9 points (mean of 5.5). Two patients had the SLICS < 4 points. From 2011-13, 28 patients were included. The SLICS score ranged from 4 to 9 points (mean of 6). There was no neurological deterioration in any group. Conclusion After using the SLICS there was a decrease in the number of patients with less severe injuries that were treated surgically. This suggests that the SLICS can be helpful in differentiating mild from severe injuries, potentially improving the results of treatment. .

O SLICS (Sub-axial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System) foi proposto para auxílio na tomada de decisão no tratamento do traumatismo da coluna cervical sub-axial. Contudo, existem poucos trabalhos que avaliem sua segurança e eficácia. Método Realizamos estudo comparativo de série histórica de pacientes operados baseados na indicação pessoal do cirurgião com pacientes tratados baseados na aplicação do SLICS. Resultados Entre 2009-10, 12 pacientes foram incluídos. O SLICS escore variou de 2 a 9 pontos (média de 5,5) com dois pacientes com escore menor que 4. Entre 2011-13, 28 pacientes foram incluídos. O escore de SLICS variou de 4 a 9 pontos, com média de 6. Conclusão Observamos que após o uso do SLICS houve uma diminuição do número de pacientes operados com lesões mais estáveis. Isso sugere que o SLICS pode ser útil para auxiliar a diferenciação de lesões leves das graves, eventualmente melhorando os resultados do tratamento. .

Subaxial cervical spine trauma: evaluation and surgical decision-making.

Study Design Literature review. Objective To discuss the evaluation and management of subaxial cervical spine trauma (C3-7). Methods A literature review of the main imaging modalities, classification systems, and nonsurgical and surgical treatment performed. Results Computed tomography and reconstructions allow for accurate radiologic identification of subaxial cervical spine trauma in most cases. Magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized to evaluate the stabilizing discoligamentous complex, the nerves, and the spinal cord. The Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC) is a new system that aids in injury classification and helps guide the decision-making process of conservative versus surgical treatment. Though promising, the SLIC system requires further validation. When the decision for surgical treatment is made, early decompression (less than 24 hours) has been associated with better neurologic recovery. Surgical treatment should be individualized based on the injury characteristics and surgeon's preferences. Conclusions The current state of subaxial cervical spine trauma is one of great progress. However, many questions remain unanswered. We need to continue to account for the individual patient, surgeon, and hospital circumstances that effect decision making and care.

Thoracolumbar spine trauma: Evaluation and surgical decision-making.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracolumbar spine trauma is the most common site of spinal cord injury, with clinical and epidemiological importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review on the management and treatment of TLST. RESULTS: Currently, computed tomography is frequently used as the primary diagnostic test in TLST, with magnetic resonance imaging used in addition to assess disc, ligamentous, and neurological injury. The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System is a new injury severity score created to help the decision-making process between conservative versus surgical treatment. When decision for surgery is made, early procedures are feasible, safe, can improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. Surgical treatment is individualized based on the injury characteristics and surgeon's experience, as there is no evidence-based for the superiority of one technique over the other. CONCLUSIONS: The correct management of TLST involves multiple steps, such as a precise diagnosis, classification, and treatment. The TLICS can improve care and communication between spine surgeons, resulting in a more standardized treatment.

Clinical complications in patients with severe cervical spinal trauma: a ten-year prospective study / Complicações clínicas em pacientes com trauma raquimedular cervical grave: estudo prospectivo de dez anos

OBJECTIVE: To determine the complications due to severe acrescentar sigla após o nome (CST). METHODS: Between 1997 and 2006, 217 patients (191 men and 26 women) were prospectively evaluated. The mean age was 36.75±1.06 years. RESULTS: Forty-five percent of the patients had medical complications. The most important risk factor was alcoholic beverage use. The most important associated injury was head trauma (HT). Patients with American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) A or B had a 2.3-fold greater relative risk of developing complications. Thirty-three patients (15.2%) died. Patients with neurological deficit had a 16.9-fold higher risk of death. There was no influence of age and time between trauma and surgery on the presence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients, 45% had clinical complications and 7.5% had associated injuries; pneumonia was the most important complication; patient age and time between trauma and surgery did not influence the development of medical complications; neurological status was the most important factor in determining morbidity and mortality.

OBJETIVO: Identificar complicações decorrentes do trauma raquimedular cervical grave. MÉTODOS: Avaliação prospectiva de 217 pacientes (191 homens e 26 mulheres) entre 1997 e 2006, com média de idade de 36,75±1,06 anos. RESULTADOS: Houve complicações em 45% dos pacientes. O fator de risco mais importante foi ingestão de bebida alcoólica. Trauma craniano foi a associação mais frequente. Pacientes com classificação A ou B da American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) tiveram 2,3 vezes maior chance de complicações. Faleceram 33 pacientes (15,2%), sendo a chance de óbito 16,9 vezes maior naqueles com déficit neurológico. Não houve influência da idade ou do tempo decorrido entre o trauma e a cirurgia. CONCLUSÕES: Dos pacientes, 45% apresentaram complicações e 7,5% apresentaram traumas associados; pneumonia foi a principal complicação clínica; a idade dos pacientes e o tempo entre o trauma e a cirurgia não influenciaram na frequência de complicações; o status neurológico após o trauma foi o fator de risco mais importante na determinação de morbidade e mortalidade.

Spinal cord injury and its association with blunt head trauma.

BACKGROUND: Severe and moderate head injury can cause misdiagnosis of a spinal cord injury, leading to devastating long-term consequences. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors involving spine trauma and moderate-to-severe brain injury. METHODS: A prospective study involving 1617 patients admitted in the emergency unit was carried out. Of these patients, 180 with moderate or severe head injury were enrolled. All patients were submitted to three-view spine series X-ray and thin cut axial CT scans for spine trauma investigations. RESULTS: 112 male patients and 78 female patients, whose ages ranged from 11 to 76 years (mean age, 34 years). The most common causes of brain trauma were pedestrians struck by motor vehicles (31.1%), car crashes (27.7%), and falls (25%). Systemic lesions were present in 80 (44.4%) patients and the most common were fractures, and lung and spleen injuries. 52.8% had severe and 47.2% moderate head trauma. Fourteen patients (7.8%) suffered spinal cord injury (12 in cervical spine, one in lumbar, and one thoracic spine). In elderly patients, the presence of associated lesions and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 9 were statistically significant as risk factors (P < 0.05) for spine injury. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord injury related to moderate and severe brain trauma usually affects the cervical spine. The incidence of spinal lesions and GCS < 9 points were related to greater incidence of spinal cord injury.

Evaluation of the subaxial injury classification system.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study of patients treated for subaxial cervical spine trauma (SCST) at a tertiary medical center. PURPOSE: Evaluate the validity of the Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC) system in surgical versus non-surgical decision making for SCST. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Age >12 years, presence of SCST with complete clinical and radiological (CT and MRI) data. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with incomplete radiographic or clinical data, pathological fractures, isolated upper cervical trauma (occiput to C2), isolated transverse process or spinous process fractures, chronic or age indeterminate fractures, isolate MRI findings, and severe systemic trauma with death prior to either surgical or non-surgical treatment. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated non-surgically (C), whereas 24 were treated surgically (S). In the C group, the SLIC score ranged from 0 to 5 points (standard deviation [SD] = 1.20 points; mean 1.07; median 1). Just 1 patient had an SLIC score greater than 2 (7.1% of the patients). In the S group, the SLIC score ranged from 1 to 10 points (standard deviation [SD] = 2.03 points; mean 5.6; median 6). Just 2 patients had an SLIC score smaller than 4 (both with 1 point each, 8.3% of the total group). All the other 22 (accounting for 91.6%) patients had an SLIC of 4 or more points. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the SLIC classification looks to be a promising system to aid spinal surgeons in the decision-making process of subaxial cervical trauma, but a large prospective cohort study is required.