Application of Piezosurgery in Revision Surgery through Posterior Approach for Infection after Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation: Technique Note with Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Pyogenic spondylitis after vertebral augmentation (PSVA) is a severe complication and even threatens the life of patients. How to deal with infectious bone cement is a big problem for surgeons. The application of piezosurgery has advantages in removal the infectious bone cement in limb bone and spinal laminectomy, but it is rarely used in PSVA. So, the present study aimed to introduce the application of piezosurgery in revision surgery for PSVA and report the preliminary radiological and clinical results. METHODS: The data of nine patients with PSVA who had undergone revision surgery were retrospectively reviewed between May 2017 and January 2023 in our hospital. The technique of removal of infectious bone cement and lesion by piezosurgery and the reconstruction of the spinal stability were described, and the operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Postoperatively, radiographs and computed tomography scans were reviewed to evaluate the condition of bone cement removal, control of infection, and bone fusion. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed pre- and postoperatively, and clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom's criteria. RESULTS: All patients achieved satisfactory tainted bone cement cleaning and restoration of spinal alignment. The surgical time was 258.8 ± 63.2 (160-360) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 613.3 ± 223.8 (300-900) mL. The VAS score decreased from 7.0 (6-8) points preoperatively to 2.4 (1-4) points postoperatively. The ODI index decreased from 71% (65%-80%) preoperatively to 20% (10%-30%) postoperatively. The patient's VAS and NDI scores after operation were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (p ≤ 0.05). Odom's outcomes were good for all patients in the last follow-up, and all patients reported satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery can effectively remove large blocks of infectious bone cement through a posterior approach while avoiding nerve and spinal cord damage. We cautiously suggest that a one-stage posterior approach using piezosurgery is an alternative option for surgical treatment of PSVA.

Prevalence, Features, and Predictive Factors of Spontaneous Spinal Arthrodesis in Posttraumatic Thoracolumbar Kyphosis.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous spinal arthrodesis (SSA) is a phenomenon of spontaneous fusion, and SSA is not rare in posttraumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (PTK). However, few reports have focused on SSA in patients with PTK. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, features, and predictive factors of SSA in patients with PTK. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 70 patients with PTK were included. Data on the clinical and radiologic parameters were obtained and evaluated. According to whether there was SSA or not, patients were divided into an SSA group (n = 45) or a non-SSA group (n = 25). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictive factors for SSA. RESULTS: The incidence of SSA in PTK was 64%. Among 45 patients with PTK with SSA, SSA was present as a solid bridging anterior osteophyte along the vertebral bodies in 11 patients, posterior contiguous bony growth through the facet joints bilaterally in 13 patients, bony formation in both anterior and posterior elements in 18 patients, and direct contiguous bony formation from the injured vertebral body to the adjacent one in 3 patients. Patients with longer disease duration, larger local Cobb angle, and anterior wall height loss (AWHL) ratio of injured vertebral body, and less kyphosis flexibility index were significantly more likely to develop SSA. The parameter of AWHL remained significant in binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: SSA in PTK was common, and the SSA sign presented in various patterns, which might have implications for surgical decisions. AWHL was the independent predictor for SSA.

A dynamic nomogram for predicting the probability of irreversible neurological dysfunction after cervical spinal cord injury: research based on clinical features and MRI data.

BACKGROUND: Irreversible neurological dysfunction (IND) is an adverse event after cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). However, there is still a shortage of objective criteria for the early prediction of neurological function. We aimed to screen independent predictors of IND and use these findings to construct a nomogram that could predict the development of neurological function in CSCI patients. METHODS: Patients with CSCI attending the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between January 2014 and March 2021 were included in this study. We divided the patients into two groups: reversible neurological dysfunction (RND) and IND. The independent predictors of IND in CSCI patients were screened using the regularization technique to construct a nomogram, which was finally converted into an online calculator. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curves analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) evaluated the model's discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability. We tested the nomogram in an external validation cohort and performed internal validation using the bootstrap method. RESULTS: We enrolled 193 individuals with CSCI in this study, including IND (n = 75) and RND (n = 118). Six features, including age, American spinal injury association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, signal of spinal cord (SC), maximum canal compromise (MCC), intramedullary lesion length (IMLL), and specialized institution-based rehabilitation (SIBR), were included in the model. The C-index of 0.882 from the training set and its externally validated value of 0.827 demonstrated the model's prediction accuracy. Meanwhile, the model has satisfactory actual consistency and clinical applicability, verified in the calibration curve and DCA. CONCLUSION: We constructed a prediction model based on six clinical and MRI features that can be used to assess the probability of developing IND in patients with CSCI.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics of adult patients with hangman's fractures: A retrospective study based on multicenter clinical data.

Background: There are few reports on the clinical characteristics of adult patients with hangman's fractures. Methods: The clinical data of adult patients were collected from the hangman's fracture database of 7 medical centers. Data on patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Data, including gender, age, mechanism of injury, fracture classification, and treatment, were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 216 eligible patients (160 males and 56 females, with a mean age of 49.7 years) were selected. There was no statistically significant difference in gender distribution of different age groups. The male-to-female ratio was similar in the young group (18-44 years) and the middle-aged group (45-64 years) (both about 3:1) but decreased in the elderly group (65 years and above) (about 2:1). Overall, high-energy injury was the main mechanism of injury. There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of patients with high-energy injury in various age groups (the highest in the young group, and the lowest in the elderly group). Overall, unstable fracture was the main fracture type, with a higher proportion in the young and elderly groups than that in the middle-aged group, but there was no statistically significant difference. From the perspective of treatment options, the percentage of patients receiving surgery was higher in the young and elderly groups than that in the middle-aged group. Conclusion: Hangman's fracture is predominant in males of all age groups, with high-energy injury as the main mechanism of injury. Unstable fracture is common fracture type. The percentage of patients receiving surgery in the young and elderly groups is higher than that in the middle-aged group, which may be correlated with the high incidence of unstable fracture and the life characteristics of the patients in the young and elderly age groups.

Abnormal mechanical stress on bicuspid aortic valve induces valvular calcification and inhibits Notch1/NICD/Runx2 signal.

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital cardiac deformity, increasing the risk of developing calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The disturbance of hemodynamics can induce valvular calcification, but the mechanism has not been fully identified. Methods: We constructed a finite element model (FEM) of the aortic valve based on the computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from BAV patients and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) individuals. We analyzed the hemodynamic properties based on our model and investigated the characteristics of mechanical stimuli on BAV. Further, we detected the expression of Notch, NICD and Runx2 in valve samples and identified the association between mechanical stress and the Notch1 signaling pathway. Results: Finite element analysis showed that at diastole phase, the equivalent stress on the root of BAV was significantly higher than that on the TAV leaflet. Correspondingly, the expression of Notch1 and NICH decreased and the expression of Runx2 elevated significantly on large BAV leaflet belly, which is associated with equivalent stress on leaflet. Our findings indicated that the root of BAV suffered higher mechanical stress due to the abnormal hemodynamic environment, and the disturbance of the Notch1/NICD/Runx2 signaling pathway caused by mechanical stimuli contributed to valvular calcification.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics and predisposing factors for neurological deficit with Hangman fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hangman fracture is the second most common injury of the upper cervical spine, and neurological deficit with Hangman fracture is not rare. To our knowledge, few reports have statistically analyzed the predisposing factors for this injury. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of neurological deficit associated with Hangman fracture and evaluate its risk factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 97 patients with Hangman fractures were included. Data on the age, sex, injury etiology, neurological deficits, and associated injuries were obtained and evaluated. The pretreatment parameters, anterior translation and angulation of C2/3, presence of the posterior vertebral wall (PVW) fractures of C2, and presence of spinal cord signal changes were measured. Twenty-three patients with neurological deficits after Hangman fractures comprised group A, and 74 patients without neurological deficit comprised group B. Student's t-test or a nonparametric test and the chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences between groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for neurological deficit. RESULTS: Among the 23 patients in group A, 2 were American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale B, 6 were C, and 15 were D, and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging signal change was observed at the level of C2-C3 disc, C2, or both. Patients with the combination of PVW fractures and ≥ 50% significant translation or angulation of C2/3 were significantly more likely to have a neurological deficit. Both factors remained significant in binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological deficit after Hangman fractures always presents clinically as a partial neurological impairment. The combination of PVW fractures with ≥ 1.8 mm of translation or ≥ 5.5° of angulation of C2/3 was the predisposing factor for neurological deficit with Hangman fractures.

Detailed observation of anatomical location and pattern in Hangman's fracture based on computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the precise anatomical location and pattern of the fracture lines in Hangman's fracture. METHODS: Three-dimensional computed CT images of 210 patients with Hangman's fracture were collected. According to the involvement of anatomical structures, the injuries were classified into facet joint injury and pure bony injury. The C2 ring was also divided into: anterior, middle, and posterior elements. The anatomical structures involvement and fracture patterns were observed. RESULT: Total 520 anatomical structures injuries were involved in 210 patients Hangman's fractures, including 298 facet joints injuries (57.3%) and 222 bony injuries (42.7%). The most common facet joints injury was superior articular facet injury of C2, and the most common pure bony injury was pediculoisthmic component fracture. The injuries of anterior element (60.6%) were more common than that of middle (20.4%) or posterior (19.0%) element. One injury in anterior element on one side and another injury located in the anterior, middle or posterior element other side was the most common fracture pattern. Injury of middle element on one side with another injury located in the middle or posterior element could be also observed. CONCLUSION: In Hangman's fractures, fracture lines could occur in any part of C2 ring. Facet joints injuries were more common than pure bony injuries, and the injuries of anterior element were also more common than that of middle or posterior element. The high prevalence of facet joints injuries means that most of Hangman's fractures may be involved with intra-articular injuries.

Is it feasible to treat unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis via posterior fixation without fusion?

BACKGROUND: Few studies reported treatment of unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis using posterior fixation without fusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and feasibility of posterior fixation without fusion in treating unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. METHODS: Eleven patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis were included in this study, and posterior fixation without fusion using screw-rod system was performed for them. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Odom's grading system. Plain radiography was used to measure the displacement and angulation of C2-C3, and cervical lordosis. Plain radiography and computed tomography were also used to observe the bony fusions of fracture lines and postoperative spontaneous fusion of C2-C3. RESULTS: The mean follow up time was 24.6 months (range, 12-72 months). The VAS and NDI scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with those before operation (P < 0.05), and according to Odom's criteria, 90.9% (10/11) of patients rated their level of satisfaction as excellent or good. The angulation and displacement of C2-C3, and cervical lordosis were significantly improved after operation compared with those before operation (P < 0.05), and at the final follow-up, and these radiological parameters were maintained. All patients achieved solid bony fusions of fracture lines. No operative segment instability was found in all patients during the follow-up period. Spontaneous fusion at bilateral C2-C3 facet joints was found in 11 cases, and anterior and/or posterior bony bridge of intervertebral bodies at C2-C3 was found in 9 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fixation without fusion may be a feasible and effective option for unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis.

Treatment of rigid post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis by a novel technique of spinal joints release.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel technique named spinal joints release (SJR) and observe its efficacy in treating rigid post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (RPTK). METHODS: RPTK patients who were treated by SJR with facet resection, limited laminotomy, clearance of the intervertebral space, and release of the anterior longitudinal ligament through the intervertebral foramen and disc of injury segment from August 2015 to August 2021 were reviewed. Intervertebral space release, internal fixation segment, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The intraoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up complications were observed. An improvement in the VAS score and ODI index was observed. Spinal cord functional recovery was evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). Improvement of local kyphosis (Cobb angle) was evaluated by radiography. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were successfully treated by the SJR surgical technique. Open-wedge anterior intervertebral disc space was performed in 31 cases, and repeated release and dissection of the anterior longitudinal ligament and callus were performed in 12 cases. There was no lateral annulus fibrosis release in 11 cases, the anterior half release of lateral annulus fibrosis in 27 cases, and complete release in five cases. There were five cases of screw placement failure in one or two side pedicles of the injured vertebrae due to excessive resection of the facets and improper pre-bending of the rod. Sagittal displacement occurred in four cases at the released segment due to the complete release of bilateral lateral annulus fibrosus. Autologous granular bone + Cage was implanted in 32 cases, and autologous granular bone was implanted in 11 cases. There were no serious complications. The average operation time was 224 ± 31 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 450 ± 225 mL. All the patients were followed up with an average of 26 ± 8.5 months. The VAS scores and ODI index improved significantly at the final follow-up. All of the 17 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury achieved more than one grade of neurological recovery at the final follow-up. An 87% correction rate of kyphosis was achieved and maintained, with the Cobb angle decreasing from 27.7° preoperatively to 5.4° at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior SJR surgery for patients with RPTK has the advantages of less trauma and less blood loss, and kyphosis correction is satisfactory.

Is local autogenous morselized bone harvested from decompression through a posterior-transforaminal approach sufficient for single-level interbody fusion in the lower lumbar spine?

BACKGROUND: To determine the volume and applicability of local autogenous morselized bone (LAMB) harvested and used during posterior-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (P-TLIF) in the lower lumbar spine. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic data of 147 patients (87 males) undergoing P-TLIF from January 2017 to December 2019 for lumbar degenerative diseases were retrospectively analyzed. Computed tomography was used to assess the fusion status (at 6 months, 1 year, and the last follow-up postoperatively), restored disc height, graft fusion area and volume, and the minimum required bone volume (MRBV). Clinical outcomes of P-TLIF were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain (LP). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28.4 ± 4.49 months. The patient's age and diagnosis were correlated to the volume and weight of LAMB (mean volume and weight: 3.50 ± 0.45 mL and 3.88 ± 0.47 g, respectively). The ratio of actual fusion area to the total disc endplate and the ratio of actual fusion volume to the total volume of the disc space were > 40%. MRBV ranged from 1.83 ± 0.48 cm3 to 2.97 ± 0.68 cm3. The proportion of grade 4 or 5 fusions increased from 60.6% at 6 months to 96.6% at the last follow-up. The ODI, VAS-LP, and VAS-LBP scores significantly improved after surgery and remained unchanged during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: When combined with a cage, the volume of LAMB harvested from decompression through the unilateral approach at a single-level is sufficient to achieve a solid interbody fusion in the lower lumbar spine with excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Early expansive single sided laminoplasty decompression treatment severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

Background: Severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tcSCI) is a disastrous event for patients and families. Maximizing spinal cord function recovery has become the primary therapeutic goal. This study investigated the effect of early extensive posterior decompression on spinal cord function improvement after severe tcSCI. Methods: A retrospective review of 83 consecutive patients who underwent extensive open-door laminoplasty decompression within 24 h after severe tcSCI (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS) grade A to C) between 2009 and 2017 at our institution was performed. The patient clinical and demographic data were collected. Neurological functional recovery was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score system, ASIA motor score (AMS) and AIS grade. Results: Among the 83 patients initially included, the baseline AIS grade was A in 12, B in 28, and C in 43. Twenty-three patients (27.7%) had a high cervical injury. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) was identified in 37 patients (44.6%). The mean intramedullary lesion length was 59.6 ± 20.4 mm preoperatively and 34.2 ± 13.3 mm postoperatively (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up visit, an improvement of at least one and two AIS grades was found in 75 (90.4%) and 41 (49.4%) patients, respectively. 24 (64.9%) patients with an improvement of least two AIS grades had CSS. The mean AMS and JOA score were significantly improved at discharge and the final follow-up visit compared with on admission (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that early expansive laminoplasty decompression may improve neurological outcomes after severe tcSCI, especially in patients with CSS. Larger and prospective controlled studies are needed to validate these findings.

Torticollis, Facial Asymmetry, Local Pain, and Barré-Liéou Syndrome in Connection with One-Sided Ponticulus Posticus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Ponticulus posticus (PP) occurs frequently and may cause symptom series, including vertebrobasilar insufficiency, migraine, hearing loss, and Barré-Liéou syndrome. However, few studies to date have described surgical treatment of PP. We report a rare case of a patient who suffered from torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré-Liéou syndrome in connection with PP. We also review the pertinent literature, focusing on surgical treatment for symptoms due to PP. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of continuous significant dizziness to the point of losing consciousness while rotating his head to the right. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine showed a С1 anomaly with the formation of complete PP on the left (dominant) side, with acute-angled, С-shaped kinking of the vertebral artery. Resection of PP via the posterior midline was performed successfully. The patient had satisfactory postoperative relief from localized pain and Barré-Liéou syndrome, but there were no obvious changes in the torticollis and facial asymmetry observed during the 3-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This case is a rare presentation of torticollis, facial asymmetry, localized pain, and Barré-Liéou syndrome in connection with one-sided complete PP. This tetrad indicates that PP may affect the patient earlier than expected. In such situations, early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment may significantly improve patients' quality of life and avoid the development of torticollis and face asymmetry.

Feasibility of Atlas Pedicle Screw Fixation Perpendicular to the Coronal Plane-A 3D Anatomic Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: An anatomic analysis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of the ideal atlas pedicle screw trajectory perpendicular to the coronal plane via atlas digital 3D reconstruction. METHODS: One hundred adult atlases were evaluated in this study. The projection of the corridor for atlas pedicle screw fixation perpendicular to the coronal plane was quickly obtained using the perspective model of 3D reconstruction, and the area, long axis, short axis and width of the pedicle corridor were measured. The inner trajectory was near the lateral wall of the pedicle, and the center of the corridor was point A. The lateral trajectory was near the lateral wall of the transverse foramen, and the center of the trajectory was point C. The midpoint of A and C was B. The length of the inner, middle and lateral trajectorys were measured. The distances from points A, B and C to the posterior tubercle of the atlas and safety swing angle were measured. RESULTS: From the dorsal view, the pedicle corridor was fitted into an ellipse with an average long axis of 13.6 mm, an average short axis of 5.2 mm, and an average area of 56.3 mm2. From the axial view, the pedicle corridor had an average width of 9.4 mm. The average lengths of the inner trajectory, middle trajectory and lateral trajectory were 31.7 mm, 28.7 mm and 25.1 mm, respectively; The average distances from the posterior tubercle to points A, B and C were 17.1 mm, 20.8 mm and 24.5 mm, respectively. The average swing angles from points A, B and C were 16.1°, 25.5°, and 28.1°, respectively. CONCLUSION: Atlas pedicle screw fixation perpendicular to the coronal plane is feasible for almost all the volunteers. Pedicle screws close to the pedicle lateral wall of the atlas posterior arch perpendicular to the coronal plane is an advanced technique that is easy to master.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the new modality for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. In this article we will investigate the efficacy and safety of it by literature search and meta-analysis. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane library were selected as search platforms. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after 2010 were searched with the keyword "vacuum-assisted closure therapy" OR "negative pressure wound therapy" OR "diabetic foot". The Cochrane Review Handbook was used to assess the bias of the literatures. The software RevMan 5.4 was used for analysis to obtain a forest plot and funnel plot. RESULTS: In this study, 363 articles were initially screened, and 9 literatures were finally included, involving a total of 943 patients. Combined analysis using the fixed effects model showed that the healing rate of the NPWT group was significantly lower than the standard group [odds ratio (OR) =3.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.38 to 5.45, P<0.001]. The granulation tissue formation time of the NPWT group was significantly less than the standard group [mean difference (MD) =-8.95, 95% CI: -10.26 to -7.64, P<0.001]. The rate of adverse events of both groups showed no significant difference (OR =0.49, 95% CI: 0.10 to 2.42, P=0.38). The amputation rate of both groups showed no statistically significant (OR =0.33, 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.26, P=0.10) too. DISCUSSION: Negative pressure wound therapy can effectively accelerate wound healing, it is equally safe with general routine treatment. However, the negative pressure value should be appropriately maintained and adjusted to avoid bleeding tendency of the wound when applying this new modality.

Mid- to long-term rates of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery after cervical total disc replacement compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a meta-analysis of prospective randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Thus far, no meta-analysis focusing on the mid- to long-term incidence of adjacent segment disease requiring surgery after cervical total disc replacement and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been published yet. This study aimed to compare mid- to long-term rates of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery after cervical disc replacement and anterior cervical fusion. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed, and only randomized controlled trials with a follow-up period of more than 48 months reporting rates of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery after cervical total disc replacement and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were included. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that the overall rate of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery in the cervical disc replacement group was significantly lower than that of the anterior cervical fusion group at 48-120 months' follow-up. The subgroup analysis of different follow-up periods also yielded the same results. The rate of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery in the cervical disc replacement group using unrestricted prosthesis was significantly lower than that of the anterior cervical fusion group (p < 0.001); however, the cervical disc replacement group using semi-restricted prosthesis showed no statistical difference compared with the fusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that cervical disc replacement is preferable to anterior cervical fusion in reducing the incidence of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery at mid- to long-term follow-up. A review of the literature also demonstrated that randomized controlled trials investigating the rate of symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery were insufficient; therefore, studies focusing on this subject with longer-term follow-up are warranted.

Influence of early extensive posterior decompression on hyponatremia and cardiopulmonary dysfunction after severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: A clinical observational study.

Retrospective single institution observational study.The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of early extensive posterior decompression on complications in patients with severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tcSCI).Cervical SCI is associated with a high prevalence of hyponatremia and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. However, very few studies have focused on this exploration to reduce the incidence of SCI early complications.We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients undergoing extensive posterior decompression within 24 h for severe tcSCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] A to C) admitted between January 2009 and January 2018. The data collected retrospectively included age, gender, mechanism, and level of SCI, AIS grade, fracture or dislocation, electrolyte, and cardiopulmonary complications.Of the 97 enrolled patients, the baseline AIS grade was AIS A in 14, AIS B in 31, and AIS C in 52. Improvement of at least two AIS grades was found in 26 (26.8%), and improvement of at least one grade was found in 80.4% of patients at discharge. Twenty-nine (29.9%) patients had mild hyponatremia, 8 (8.2%) had moderate hyponatremia, and 3 (3.1%) had severe hyponatremia during hospitalization. The incidences of hyponatremia, hypotension, and tracheotomy were 41.2%, 13.4%, and 6.2%, respectively. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) on admission and at discharge was 1.34 ±â€Š0.46 L and 2.21 ±â€Š0.41 L (P < .0001), respectively. Five patients developed pneumonia.Our results suggest that early expansive posterior decompression significantly reduces the incidence of hyponatremia, hypotension, and tracheotomy by promoting recovery of spinal cord function after severe tcSCI.