The clinical relevance of fixation failure after pubic symphysis plating for anterior pelvic ring injuries: an observational cohort study with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and plate fixation is a standard procedure for treating traumatic symphyseal disruptions, but has a high incidence of implant failure. Several studies have attempted to identify predictors for implant failure and discussed its impact on functional outcome presenting conflicting results. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of implant failure and to investigate the impact of implant failure on pain and functional outcome. METHODS: In a single-center, retrospective, observational non-controlled cohort study in a level-1 trauma center from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017, 42 patients with a plate fixation of a traumatic symphyseal disruption aged ≥ 18 years with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. The following parameters were examined in terms of effect on occurrence of implant failure: age, body mass index (BMI), injury severity score (ISS), polytrauma, time to definitive treatment, postoperative weight-bearing, the occurrence of a surgical site infection, fracture severity, type of posterior injury, anterior and posterior fixation. A total of 25/42 patients consented to attend the follow- up examination, where pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and functional outcome using the Majeed Pelvic Score. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had an anterior implant failure (16/42; 37%). None of the parameters studied were predictive for implant failure. The median follow-up time was six years and 8/25 patients had implant failure. There was no difference in the Numerical Rating Scale, but the work-adjusted Majeed Pelvic Score showed a better outcome for patients with implant failure. CONCLUSION: implant failure after symphyseal disruptions is not predictable, but appears to be clinically irrelevant. Therefore, an additional sacroiliac screw to prevent implant failure should be critically discussed and plate removal should be avoided in asymptomatic patients.

Interobserver Reliability in the Classification of Thoracolumbar Fractures Using the AO Spine TL Injury Classification System Among 22 Clinical Experts in Spine Trauma Care.

STUDY DESIGN: Reliability study utilizing 183 injury CT scans by 22 spine trauma experts with assessment of radiographic features, classification of injuries and treatment recommendations. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of the AOSpine TL Injury Classification System (TLICS) including the categories within the classification and the M1 modifier. METHODS: Kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficients were produced. Associations of various imaging characteristics (comminution, PLC status) and treatment recommendations were analyzed through regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used for making predictive algorithms. RESULTS: Reliability of the AO Spine TLICS at differentiating A3 and A4 injuries (N = 71) (K = .466; 95% CI .458 - .474; P < .001) demonstrated moderate agreement. Similarly, the average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) amongst A3 and A4 injuries was excellent (ICC = .934; 95% CI .919 - .947; P < .001) and the ICC between individual measures was moderate (ICC = .403; 95% CI .351 - .461; P < .001). The overall agreement on the utilization of the M1 modifier amongst A3 and A4 injuries was fair (K = .161; 95% CI .151 - .171; P < .001). The ICC for PLC status in A3 and A4 injuries averaged across all measures was excellent (ICC = .936; 95% CI .922 - .949; P < .001). The M1 modifier suggests respondents are nearly 40% more confident that the PLC is injured amongst all injuries. The M1 modifier was employed at a higher frequency as injuries were classified higher in the classification system. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of surgeons differentiating between A3 and A4 injuries in the AOSpine TLICS is substantial and the utilization of the M1 modifier occurs more frequently with higher grades in the system.

Symptoms of older orthopedic and rheumatic patients : A telephone survey about symptoms, symptom communication, treatment and further support after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND: In older multimorbid orthopedic and rheumatic patients, data on symptoms besides pain or reduced mobility are rarely published. OBJECTIVE: We investigated patients' perspectives on their symptoms after hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Orthopedic and rheumatic patients aged over 70 years were asked via telephone interviews about (i) their symptoms, (ii) communication, (iii) treatment, and (iv) support. RESULTS: (i) The 60 participants (35 women and 25 men) reported a median of 6 (min-max: 1-14) different symptoms, of which 86% (356 of 415) had existed before hospitalization, (ii) patients did not communicate 28% (117) of symptoms to either healthcare professionals, family or friends and (iii) 52 (87%) patients desired improvement. Of the 280 most impairing symptoms, 19% (52) were not treated at all. (iv) Almost all patients (59; 98%) considered it easy to obtain support. CONCLUSION: Remarkably, many symptoms were not communicated or treated despite the patients having been hospitalized.

Spinal Orthoses in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures in the Elderly: A Systematic Review With Quantitative Quality Assessment.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: Spinal orthoses are frequently used to non-operatively treat osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), despite the available evidence is rare. Previously systematic reviews were carried out, presenting controversial recommendations. The present study aimed to systematic review the recent and current literature on available evidence for the use of orthoses in OVF. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases. Identified articles including previous systematic reviews were screened and selected by three authors. The results of retrieved articles were presented in a narrative form, quality assessment was performed by two authors using scores according to the study type. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (n = 5 randomized controlled trials, n = 3 non- randomized controlled trials and n = 5 prospective studies without control group) and eight systematic reviews were analyzed. Studies without comparison group reported improvements in pain, function and quality of life during the follow-up. Studies comparing different types of orthoses favor non-rigid orthoses. In comparison to patients not wearing an orthosis three studies were unable to detect beneficial effects and two studies reported about a significant improvement using an orthosis. In the obtained quality assessment, three studies yielded good to excellent results. Previous reviews detected the low evidence for spinal orthoses but recommended them. CONCLUSION: Based on the study quality and the affection of included studies in previous systematic reviews a general recommendation for the use of a spinal orthosis when treating OVF is not possible. Currently, no superiority for spinal orthoses in OVF treatment was found.

Management of Pathological Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Multidisciplinary Recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN: Mutlidisciplinary consensus recommendations for patients suffering from multiple myeloma (MM) involvement of the spinal column by the Spine Section of the German Association of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach and to summarize the current literature on the management of pathological thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS: Multidisciplinary recommendations using a classical consensus process provided by radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, orthopaedic- and trauma surgeons. A narrative literature review of the current diagnostic and treatment strategies was conducted. RESULTS: Treatment decision has to be driven by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiotherapists and spine surgeons. When considering surgery in MM patients, differing factors compared to other secondary spinal lesions have to be included into the decision process: probable neurological deterioration, the stage of the disease and prognosis, patient's general condition, localization and number of the lesions as well as patient's own wishes or expectations. Aiming to improve quality of life, the major goal of surgical treatment is to preserve mobility by reducing pain, secure neurological function and stability. CONCLUSION: The goal of surgery is primarily to improve quality of life by restoring stability and neurological function. Interventions with an increased risk of complications due to MM-associated immunodeficiency must be avoided whenever feasible to allow early systemic treatment. Hence, treatment decisions should be based on a multidisciplinary team that considers patient's constitution and prognosis.

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.

Geriatric Odontoid Fractures: Treatment Algorithms of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Based on Expert Consensus and a Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review/expert consensus. OBJECTIVES: Fractures of the axis represent the most frequent injury of the spine in elderly patients. Both, operative and non-operative treatment are associated with a high rate of complications and mortality. The aim of this article was to summarize the current literature on the management of odontoid fractures in geriatric patients and to weigh it based on an expert consensus process. METHODS: In a joint consensus process, members of the Spine Section of the German Orthopaedic and Trauma Society (DGOU) aimed to formulate recommendations for the diagnostic workup and treatment of odontoid fractures in geriatric patients. Based on the previously published recommendations, this article is an updated version with incorporating a systematic review of the recent literature. RESULTS: Based on the new data available, the recommendations established in the initial consensus process were adapted. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography represents the diagnostic standard for patients with suspected injuries of the upper cervical spine. Anderson/D'Alonzo odontoid fractures type 1, non-displaced type 2, and type 3 can be treated conservatively. Even non-unions do not necessarily result in poor clinical outcome. In Anderson/D'Alonzo type 2 fractures, surgical therapy offers the advantage of relatively safe osseous healing with no increased complication rate even in elderly patients and can thus be recommended. In very high aged patients, however, a case-by-case decision should be made. When surgical stabilization of osteoporotic odontoid fractures is indicated, posterior techniques are biomechanically advantageous and can be considered the standard.

Combined Odontoid (C2) and Atlas (C1) Fractures in Geriatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Treatment Recommendation.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic overview of the pathogenesis and the treatment options of combined odontoid and atlas fractures in geriatric patients. METHODS: This review is based on articles retrieved by a systematic search in the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published until February 2021 dealing with combination fractures of C1 and C2 in geriatric patients. RESULTS: Altogether, 438 articles were retrieved from the literature search. A total of 430 articles were excluded. The remaining eight original articles were included in this systematic review depicting the topics pathogenesis, non-operative treatment, posterior approach, and anterior approach. The overall level of evidence of the studies is low. CONCLUSION: Combined odontoid and atlas fractures in the geriatric population are commonly caused by simple falls and seem to be associated with atlanto-odontoid osteoarthritis. Non-operative treatment with a cervical orthosis is a feasible treatment option in the majority of patients with stable C2 fractures. In case of surgery posterior C1 and C 2 stabilization and anterior triple or quadruple screw fixation are possible techniques. Some patients may also deserve an occipito-cervical fusion. A possible treatment algorithm is proposed.

Mediating Medical Comorbidities in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Surgery for OVCF: From Preoperative Screening to Risk and Outcomes Optimization.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are a common increasing entity in elderly patients and represent a tremendous economic burden. Surgical treatment is related to high complication rates and little is known about patient-specific and internal risk factors associated with poor clinical results. METHODS: We carried out a comprehensive, systematic literature search according to the PRISMA checklist and algorithm. Risk factors for perioperative complications, for early inpatient readmission, for the duration of the hospital stay, the hospital mortality, the total mortality and the clinical result were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 739 potentially usable studies were identified. After considering all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies with 15,515 patients were included. Non-adjustable risk factors were age >90 years (OR 3.27), male gender (OR 1.41), BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 (OR 3.97), ASA score >3 (OR 2.7), activity of daily live (ADL) (OR 1.52), dependence (OR 5.68), inpatient admission status (OR 3.22), Parkinson disease (OR 3.63) and disseminated cancer (OR 2.98). Adjustable factors were insufficient kidney function (GFR <60 mL/min, and Creatinine Clearance below 60 mg/dl) (OR 4.4), nutrition status (hypalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl)), liver function (OR 8.9) and further cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities. DISCUSSION: We identified a couple of non-adjustable risk factors, which should be considered preoperatively in terms of risk assessment. However, even more important were adjustable factors that can be influenced preoperatively. In conclusion, we recommend a perioperative interdisciplinary cooperation, especially with geriatricians, to achieve the best possible clinical results in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for OVCF.

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.

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.

Does the use of epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure after revision surgery on the spine reduce further wound revision surgery?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of epicutaneous vacuum therapy on the rate of unplanned spinal wound revisions compared with conventional wound dressing. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent unplanned revision spine surgery after primary aseptic spine surgery who were treated at a level I spine centre between December 2011 and December 2019. Patients with revision surgery who required a further unplanned revision surgery during the inpatient stay were considered a treatment failure. The epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure (Epi-VAC) therapy was the standard treatment method beginning in 2017 (the epi-VAC group). Before, conventional wound dressing was used (the control group (CG)). In addition, a one-to-one matched-pair comparison analysis was performed between both groups. RESULTS: Of 218 patients, 48 were in the epi-VAC group. The mean age was 65.1 years (epi-VAC 68.2 to CG 64.3 years (P = 0.085)), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 kg/m2 (epi-VAC 29.4 to CG 27.9 kg/m2 (P = 0.16)). No significant differences in the treatment failure rate could be detected between the two groups (epi-VAC 25% to CG 22.4% (P = 0.7)). There was also no significant difference for the matched-pair analysis (epi-VAC 26.1% to CG 15.2% (P = 0.3)). An elevated CRP level (C-reactive protein) immediately before the first wound revision was a significant risk factor for further revision surgery (treatment failure: 135.2 ± 128.6; no treatment failure: 79.7 ± 86.1 mg/l (P < 0.05)). CONCLUSION: Concerning repeat unplanned wound revision after spinal revision surgery, we cannot demonstrate an advantage of the epicutaneous vacuum therapy over conventional wound dressing.

The role of routine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures in the detection of malignant diseases: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Procedures like kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty have become an established treatment option for vertebral compression fractures (VCF). The transpedicular approach used during these procedures allows to take biopsies from the affected vertebral body. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the existing knowledge on the value of routine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using PubMed/Medline databases with the goal of finding all articles describing the value trans-pedicular biopsies for detecting primary bone tumors, metastases, bone diseases, or spondylitis in patients with vertebral compression fractures was performed. Search terms were (*biopsy/ OR biops*.ti,ab.) AND (vertebral compression fracture*.ti,ab.). RESULTS: Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, among these were six prospective and ten retrospective case series. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2020. A total of 3083 patients with 3667 transpedicular biopsies performed were included. Most biopsies confirmed osteoporosis as the dominant underlying pathology of VCFs. Transpedicular biopsies revealed an unexpected malignant diagnosis in 0.4-6% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Routine transpedicular biopsies during kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty detect unexpected malignant lesions in 0.4-6% of the patients, even though the definition of "unexpected" varies among the analyzed studies. The evidence to support a routine biopsy is inconsistent. Nevertheless, routine biopsies can be considered, especially when sufficient preoperatvie imaging is not available or radiological findings are unclear.

OF spine classification of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures by MRI and conventional radiographs only leads to high inter-observer agreement rates-an additional CT adds limited information for the of classification and the OF score.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the addition of computed tomography (CT) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the accuracy of classifying osteoporotic vertebral body fractures (OVBF). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective single-center database has been performed. All consecutive patients who had suffered an acute thoracolumbar OVBF in one level II spine center between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed. Thereby, fractures of type OF 1 and OF 5 were excluded. All fractures were initially classified by 5 board-certified orthopaedic surgeons based on MRI and conventional radiographs. Afterwards a reclassification including CT scans were performed. Differences in OF classification and OF score values between both measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were analyzed with a mean age 75.8 years (SD: 8.8 years). In 82.9% of the cases, there was no difference in OF classification comparing classification based only on MRI versus MRI + CT. A difference of more than two OF types was observed in less than 1% of all ratings. The inter-rater reliabilities of the OF classification based on CT + MRI and MRI alone were 0.63 and 0.49, respectively. In 97.5% of the cases there was no therapy-relevant difference of the treatment recommendation with respect of a surgical or nonoperative treatment recommendation based on the OF score. CONCLUSION: In terms of the OF classification and the OF score, the addition of CT add limited value compared to conventional radiographs and MRI only. Additionally, there is only a minor rate of disagreement in treatment recommendations when adding a CT.

"Flexible nature of fixation" in syndesmotic stabilization of the inferior tibiofibular joint affects the radiological reduction outcome.

PURPOSE: Fibular mobility after suture button stabilization (SBS) of inferior tibiofibular joint (syndesmosis) injuries has been described. This effect is called the "flexible nature of fixation (FNF)." In this study, we aimed to quantify FNF in syndesmotic stabilization. METHODS: Postoperative bilateral computed tomography (CT) of ankle fractures with syndesmosis stabilization by SBS or syndesmotic screw (SYS) was retrospectively analyzed. The transverse offset (TO) and vertical offset (VO) were defined by evaluating the drill channels. The reduction outcome was evaluated by the side-to-side difference between the clear space and the anterior tibiofibular distance (antTFD). The calculated anterior tibiofibular distance (cal-antTFD) was calculated by subtracting the TO from the validated antTFD. Subsequently, a reevaluation of the reduction outcomes after SYS or SBS stabilization was performed using cal-antTFD. RESULTS: Sixty patients (44 with SBS and 16 with SYS stabilization) were analyzed. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities for TO and VO were excellent (α > 0.92). SYS stabilization showed lower mean TO (- 0.02 mm; SD 0.14) and VO (0.11 mm; SD, 0.29 mm) than SBS stabilization (TO 1.16 mm, SD 1.4 mm; VO 0.2 mm, SD 0.8 mm; p = 0.001). The rate of malreduction according to cal-antTFD was higher than that of antFTD (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The presented method, which evaluates the position of the tibial to the fibular drill channel, allowed the quantification of the "FNF." The often described difference in the dynamic stabilization of SBS compared to the rigid stabilization by SYS could be objectified. Considering cal-antTFD illustrates that FNF potentially reduces the rate of malreduction in SBS stabilization.

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.

Concomitant injuries in patients with thoracic vertebral body fractures-a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to give a systematic overview over the rate and location of concomitant injuries, the probability of suffering from neurological deficits, and to give evidence of the timing of surgery in severely injured patients with unstable thoracic vertebral body fractures. METHODS: This review is based on articles retrieved by a systematic search in the PubMed and Web of Science database for publications up to November 2020 dealing with unstable fractures of the mid-thoracic spine. RESULTS: Altogether, 1109 articles were retrieved from the literature search. A total of 1095 articles were excluded. Thus, 16 remaining original articles were included in this systematic review depicting the topics timing of surgery in polytraumatized patients, outcome neurologic deficits, and impact of concomitant injuries. The overall level of evidence of the vast majority of studies is low. CONCLUSION: The evidence of the available literature is low. The cited studies reveal that thoracic spinal fractures are associated with a high number of neurological deficits and concomitant injuries, particularly of the thoracic cage and the lung. Thereby, diagnostic algorithm should include computer tomography of the whole thoracic cage if there is any clinical sign of concomitant injuries. Patients with incomplete neurologic deficits benefit from early surgery consisting of decompression and long-segmental stabilization.

Impact of Multifidus Muscle Atrophy on the Occurrence of Secondary Symptomatic Adjacent Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

To assess the potential influence of multifidus atrophy and fatty degeneration on the incidence of adjacent vertebral compression fractures within one year after the index fracture. In a retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent surgery for an OVCF were identified and baseline characteristics, fracture patterns and the occurrence of secondary adjacent fractures within one year were obtained by chart review. Multifidus muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were determined on preoperative MRI or CT scans. In this analysis of 191 patients (mean age 77 years, SD 8, 116 female), OF type 3 was the most common type of OVCF (49.2%). Symptomatic adjacent OVCFs within one year after index fracture were observed in 23/191 patients (12%) at mean 12, SD 12 weeks (range 1-42 weeks) postoperatively. The mean multifidus muscle area was 264, SD 53 mm2 in patients with an adjacent vertebral fracture and 271, SD 92 mm2 in patients without a secondary fracture (p = 0.755). Mean multifidus fatty infiltration was graded Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.6 in patients with an adjacent fracture and Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.7 in patients without an adjacent fracture (p = 0.694). Pre-existing medication with corticosteroids was associated with the occurrence of an adjacent fracture (p = 0.006). Multifidus area and multifidus fatty infiltration had no significant effect on the occurrence of adjacent vertebral fractures within one year after the index fracture. Patients with a pre-existing medication with corticosteroids were more likely to sustain an adjacent fracture.

Does the orientation of syndesmosis fixative device affect the immediate reduction of the distal tibiofibular joint?

INTRODUCTION: Incongruent stabilization of the distal tibiofibular joint (syndesmosis) results in poorer long-term outcome in malleolar fractures. The aim was to analyze whether the orientation of the syndesmotic stabilization would affect the immediate reduction imaged in computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The syndesmotic congruity in 114 ankle fractures with stabilization of the syndesmosis were retrospectively analyzed in the post-operative bilateral CT scans. The incisura device angle (IDA) was defined and correlated with the side-to-side difference of Leporjärvi clear-space (ΔLCS), anterior tibiofibular distance (ΔantTFD) and Nault talar dome angle (ΔNTDA) regardless of the stabilization technique and separately for suture button system and syndesmotic screw. Asymmetric reduction was defined as ΔLCS > 2 mm and |ΔantTFD|> 2 mm. RESULTS: Regardless of the stabilization technique, no correlation between the IDA and the ΔLCS (r = 0.069), the ΔantTFD (r = 0.019) nor the ΔNTDA (r = 0.177) could be observed. There were no differences between suture button system and syndesmotic screw. Asymmetrical reduction was detected in 46% of the cases, while sagittal asymmetry was most common. No association was found between the orientation of stabilization device and occurrence of asymmetrical reduction (p > 0.05). The results of suture button system and syndesmotic screw were comparable in this respect (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Poor correlation between the orientation of the stabilization device and the immediate post-operative congruity of the syndesmosis could be shown. In contrast to current literature, this study did not show difference of suture button system over syndesmotic screw in this regard. Careful adjustment of the fibula in anteroposterior orientation should be given special attention.