Iatrogenic vertebral fracture in ankylosed spine during liver transplantation: a case report and biomechanical study using finite element method.

PURPOSE: The occurrence of an iatrogenic vertebral fracture during non-spinal digestive surgery is an exceptional event that has not been previously documented. Our study aims to explain the occurrence of this fracture from a biomechanical perspective, given its rarity. Using a finite element model of the spine, we will evaluate the strength required to induce a vertebral fracture through a hyperextension mechanism, considering the structure of the patient's spine, whether it is ossified or healthy. METHODS: A 70-year-old patient was diagnosed T12 fracture during a liver transplantation on ankylosed spine. We use a finite element model of the spine. Different mechanical properties were applied to the spine model: first to a healthy spine, the second to a osteoporotic ossified spine. The displacement and force imposed at the Sacrum, the time and location of fractures initiation were recorded and compared between the two spine conditions. RESULTS: A surgical treatment is done associating decompression with posterior fixation. After biomechanical study, we found that the fracture initiation occurred for the ossified spine after a sacrum displacement of 29 mm corresponding to an applied force of 65 N. For the healthy spine it occurred at a sacrum displacement of 52 mm corresponding to an applied force of 350 N. CONCLUSION: The force required to produce a type B fracture in an ankylosed spine is 5 times less than in a healthy spine. These data enable us to propose several points of management to avoid unexpected complications with ankylosed spines during surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Variation of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and pelvic incidence in degenerative spinal deformity patients.

INTRODUCTION: In asymptomatic subjects, variations of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and spinopelvic organization have been reported. A large range of compensation phenomena has been observed in degenerative spinal deformity in order to maintain horizontal gaze, but it remains unclear how age and spinopelvic morphology could additionally influence cervical alignment. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to describe the distribution of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and pelvic incidence in subjects with and without degenerative spinal deformity in order to precisely evaluate cervical compensation phenomena in adult spinal deformity (ASD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiographs of 478 subjects (327 females and 151 males) were distributed into 235 asymptomatic and 243 deformed subjects. Occipito-cervical parameters were McGregor-C1, McGregor-C2, C1-C2 and occipito-C2 angles. The cervicothoracic inflection point (CTIP) was determined. Caudal cervical sagittal alignment parameters were: C2-C7 lordosis, C2-apex (superior arch), apex-CTIP (inferior arch), occipito-C3 and occipito-C4 angles, C7-slope and T1-slope. The distribution of parameters was analyzed using a Bayesian inference (significant when Pr > 0.975 or Pr < 0.025). Comparisons between asymptomatic and deformed subjects were done after matching on age (40-60 years; > 60 years) and on PI (< 45°; 45-60°; > 60°). RESULTS: Among occipito-cervical parameters, there was no significant change in McGregor-C1 angle. However, McGregor-C2 angle was significantly higher in the ASD group (Pr = 0.0029), with influence of age (Pr = 0.023), but PI influence. C1-C2 lordosis was significantly higher in the ASD group compared to the asymptomatic group (Pr < 0.0007), without influence of age or PI noticed. C2-C7 lordosis was also higher in the ASD group (Pr < 0.025) with a role of age and PI (Pr < 0.025). Cervical lordosis in the superior arch was significantly higher in the ASD group (Pr > 0.999), without influence of age or PI. In the inferior arch, the lordosis angle was not modified according to the group, but there was an influence of age (Pr < 0.0007). C7-slope and T1-slope were higher according the age group (Pr < 0.0012), without influence of the group or PI. CONCLUSION: This observational study highlights cervical sagittal alignment adaptations in degenerative spinal deformity, matched on age and pelvic incidence. The inferior cervical spine seemed to be modified with a higher lordosis, increasing with age responding to the age-related thoracic kyphosis increase. In addition to that, the superior cervical spine hyperextends more in adult degenerative deformity to maintain horizontal gaze. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Da Vinci robotic-assisted anterolateral lumbar arthrodesis: operative technique.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches for lumbar fusion are aimed at reducing soft tissue injury in order to minimize surgical morbidity and facilitate recovery. METHOD: Applied to oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), Da Vinci® robot (DVR) assistance can help specially in obese patients. Positioning and important anatomical landmarks are reviewed. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed, and a step-by-step description of the procedure is presented. OLIF can be achieved efficiently through this approach with lesser blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and reduced rate of general complications. CONCLUSION: The use of DVR assistance for OLIF is a promising new technique.

Cirq® robotic assistance for percutaneous kyphoplasty of C1: report on feasibility.

BACKGROUND: To report the feasibility and safety of C1 kyphoplasty using the Cirq® robotic assistance coupled to the AIRO® intraoperative computed tomography (iCT)-scan and BrainLab® navigation system. METHODS: A 47-year-old woman with C1 osteolytic lesion responsible of intractable left-sided suboccipital pain was admitted. She underwent a percutaneous kyphoplasty of left lateral mass of C1 using Cirq® robotic assistance. She reported postoperative substantial pain relief. CT scan showed adequate filling of the osteolytic lesion without obvious leakage of cement. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous kyphoplasty of C1 using Cirq® robotic assistance is a safe and effective alternative in selected patients with C1 lateral mass metastasis.

Fully endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of intrasellar arachnoid cysts.

PURPOSE: To report our experience of endoscopic endonasal obliteration of symptomatic sellar arachnoid cyst (SAC). METHODS: From 2002 to 2019, we retrospectively reported the data of 17 cases of SAC operated in Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France. Preoperative clinical findings were collected including main symptoms, visual function and endocrinological assessment. Surgical procedure was homogeneous and consisted in endonasal fully endoscopic surgical obliteration of the cyst cavity with fat graft. Post-operative outcomes, complication and follow-up was reported. RESULTS: Visual disorders and/or headaches were the main symptoms. Our technique provided improvement for 83.3% of the patients suffering from visual disturbance and for 87.5% of those suffering from headaches. We reported 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage (11.8%), but no meningitis. One case of definitive diabetes insipidus occurred and one case of postoperative syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion was temporary. There was one case of recurrence reported. The mean follow-up was 39 months. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic SAC can be treated successfully by endoscopic endonasal obliteration of the cyst. This simple technique offers true benefits for the patients without craniotomy, but the complication rate remains high especially with the risk of CSF leakage. Special attention to skull base opening and closing could reduce this risk.

Minimally invasive microsurgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (d-AVF) is the most common spinal vascular malformations. Management includes endovascular embolization, and/or surgical obliteration of the shunt. METHOD: Applied to spinal d-AVF, mini-invasive surgical (MIS) obliteration is described as a mini-open approach using Mast Quadrant™ system. Important anatomical landmarks are reviewed. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed, and a step-by-step description of the procedure is presented. CONCLUSION: MIS is a good solution to treat d-AVF with a good outcome.

Crossed brainstem syndrome revealing bleeding brainstem cavernous malformation: an illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Since the nineteenth century, a great variety of crossed brainstem syndromes (CBS) have been described in the medical literature. A CBS typically combines ipsilateral cranial nerves deficits to contralateral long tracts involvement such as hemiparesis or hemianesthesia. Classical CBS seem in fact not to be so clear-cut entities with up to 20% of patients showing different or unnamed combinations of crossed symptoms. In terms of etiologies, acute brainstem infarction predominates but CBS secondary to hemorrhage, neoplasm, abscess, and demyelination have been described. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of CBS caused by a bleeding episode arising from a brainstem cavernous malformation (BCM) reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a typical Foville syndrome in a 65-year-old man that was caused by a pontine BCM with extralesional bleeding. Following the first bleeding episode, a conservative management was decided but the patient had eventually to be operated on soon after the second bleeding event. DISCUSSION: A literature review was conducted focusing on the five most common CBS (Benedikt, Weber, Foville, Millard-Gubler, Wallenberg) on Medline database from inception to 2020. According to the literature, hemorrhagic BCM account for approximately 7 % of CBS. Microsurgical excision may be indicated after the second bleeding episode but needs to be carefully weighted up against the risks of the surgical procedure and openly discussed with the patient. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of a CBS, neuroimaging work-up may not infrequently reveal a BCM requiring complex multidisciplinary team management including neurosurgical advice.

Ipsilateral vs controlateral approach in tuberculum sellae meningiomas surgery: a retrospective comparative study.

Most of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) show asymmetric growth. They are usually resected through ipsilateral approaches. The access of the inferior-medial side of the ipsilateral optic nerve might be challenging, which result in increased manipulation of the compromised optic nerve. The contralateral approach has been described to avoid these technical difficulties. Assessing the long-term visual and olfactory outcome, as well as recurrence rate in patients operated for TSM through ipsilateral or contralateral approaches. Single center retrospective cohort study about 94 patients operated on between March 2000 and April 2018. Seventy percent of the preoperative visual acuity loss totally resolved (44%) or showed varying degrees of improvement (26%) after surgery. Seventy-two percent of the preoperative visual field defects evolved favorably (44% recovery, 28% improvement). Eight patients showed aggravated visual disturbances (9%). A contralateral approach seemed to be predictive of visual field defects improvement after surgery (OR = 0.4), with borderline significant results (p = .08). There was a higher rate of postoperative olfactory nerve impairment after a contralateral approach (37% vs 17%, p = .03). Total removal of the tumor fragment entering the optic canal was accomplished in 96% in the contralateral vs 75% in the ipsilateral group (p = .04). The 2-, 5-, and 7-year tumor progression-free survival were 100% in the Simpson grade 2 group, and 85% (n = 17), 74% (n = 11), and 67% (n = 5) in the Simpson grade 4 group, respectively (p = .00). Resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas through a contralateral approach seems to provide better visual outcome and tumor control at the cost of increased olfactory nerve disorders.

How I do it: mini invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches for lumbar fusion are aimed at reducing soft tissue injury in order to minimize surgical morbidity and facilitate recovery. METHOD: Applied to lumbar fusion, such an approach is described as a mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Important anatomical landmarks are reviewed. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed, and a step-by-step description of the procedure is presented. RESULTS: Decompression, fixation, and bone grafting can be achieved efficiently through this approach with lesser blood loss, shorter hospital stay, reduced rate of general complications, and infections as well as a lower readmission rate. CONCLUSION: The mini-open TLIF technique, as presented here, is a safe and efficient procedure to achieve lumbar fusion with a reduced rate of complications related to surgery.

Does the hip positioning matter for oblique lumbar interbody fusion approach? A morphometric study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether left hip positioning widened the access corridor using oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) approach during right lateral decubitus (RLD). METHODS: Ten healthy adult volunteers underwent a T2 lumbosacral MRI (1.5 T) in the supine position, RLD position with left hip in extension and then in flexion. L2-L3 to L5-S1 disc spaces were identified. At each level, left psoas surface (in cm2), access corridor (in mm) and vessel movement were calculated in the three positions. Paired t test was used for comparison. RESULTS: The mean surface of the left psoas ranged from 7.83 to 17.19 cm2 in the three positions (p > 0.05). From L2-3 to L4-5, in RLD, when the left hip shifted from extension to flexion, nor the access corridor nor vessel movements were significantly different. When the volunteers shifted from supine to RLD position with hip in extension, arteries moved 3.66-5.61 mm to the right (p < 0.05 at L2-3, L3-4 and L5-S1), while the venous structures moved 0.92-4.96 mm (p < 0.05 at L2-3) to the right. When the position shifted from supine to RLD with hip in flexion, the arterial structures moved 0.47-4.88 mm (p < 0.05 at L2-3 and L3-4) to the right, while the venous structures moved - 0.94 to 4.13 mm (p < 0.05 at L2-3 and L3-4) to the right. CONCLUSION: Hip positioning was not associated with a significant widening of the surgical corridor. To perform OLIF, we advocate for RLD position with left hip in extension to move away the vascular structures and reduce the psoas volume. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Mortality, complication, and fusion rates of patients with odontoid fracture: the impact of age and comorbidities in 204 cases.

PURPOSE: The French Society of Spine Surgery (SFCR) conducted a prospective epidemiologic multicenter study. The purpose was to investigate mortality, complication, and fusion rates in patients with odontoid fracture, depending on age, comorbidities, fracture type, and treatment. METHODS: Out of 204 patients, 60 were ≤ 70 years and 144 were > 70 years. Demographic data, comorbidities, treatment types and complications (general medical, infectious, neurologic, and mechanical), and death were registered within the first year. Fractures were classified according to Anderson-D'Alonzo and Roy-Camille on the initial CT. A 1-year follow-up CT was available in 144 patients to evaluate fracture consolidation. RESULTS: Type II and oblique-posterior fractures were the most frequent patterns. The treatment was conservative in 52.5% and surgical in 47.5%. The mortality rate in patients ≤ 70 was 3.3% and 16.7% in patients > 70 years (p = 0.0002). Fracture pattern and treatment type did not influence mortality. General medical complications were significantly more frequent > 70 years (p = 0.021) and after surgical treatment (p = 0.028). Neurologic complications occurred in 0.5%, postoperative infections in 2.0%, and implant-related mechanical complications in 10.3% (associated with pseudarthrosis). Fracture fusion was observed in 93.5% of patients ≤ 70 years and in 62.5% >70 years (p < 0.0001). Pseudarthrosis was present in 31.5% of oblique-posterior fractures and in 24.3% after conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Age and comorbidities influenced mortality and medical complication rates most regardless of fracture type and treatment choice. Pseudarthrosis represented the main complication, which increased with age. Pseudarthrosis was most frequent in type II and oblique-posterior fractures after conservative treatment.

Robot-assisted multi-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical approaches still provide limited exposure. Access to the L2-L5 intervertebral discs during a single procedure is challenging and often requires repositioning of the patient and adopting an alternative approach. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the windows to the L2-L5 intervertebral discs to assess the dimensions of the interbody implants suitable for the procedure and evaluate the feasibility of multi-level lumbar intervertebral disc surgery in robot-assisted surgery (RAS) METHODS: Sixteen fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens underwent a retroperitoneal approach to access the L2-L5 intervertebral discs. The L2-L3 to L4-L5 windows were defined as the distance between the left lateral border of the aorta (or nearest common iliac vessel) and the medial border of the psoas, measured in a static state and after gentle medial retraction of the vascular structures. Two living porcine specimens and one cadaveric specimen underwent da Vinci robot-assisted transperitoneal approach to expose the L2-L3 to L4-L5 intervertebral discs and perform multi-level discectomy and interbody implant placement. RESULTS: The L2-L3 to L4-L5 intervertebral disc windows significantly increased from a static to a retracted state (p < 0.05). The mean L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 windows measured respectively 20.1, 21.6, and 19.6 mm in the static state, and 27.2, 30.9, and 30.3 mm after gentle vascular retraction. The intervertebral windows from L2-L3 to L4-L5 were successfully exposed through an anterior transperitoneal approach with the da Vinci robot on the cadaveric and living porcine specimens, and interbody implants were inserted. CONCLUSION: RAS appears to be feasible for a mini-invasive multi-level lumbar intervertebral disc surgery. The RAS procedure, longer and more expensive than conventional MIS approaches, should be reserved for elective patients.

Combined treatment by octreotide and everolimus: Octreotide enhances inhibitory effect of everolimus in aggressive meningiomas.

Treatment for recurrent and aggressive meningiomas remains an unmet medical need in neuro-oncology, and chemotherapy exhibits limited clinical activity, if any. Merlin expression, encoded by the NF2 gene, is lost in a majority of meningiomas, and merlin is a negative regulator of mTORC1. The sst2 somatostatin receptor, targeted by octreotide, is highly expressed in meningiomas. To investigate new therapeutic strategies, we evaluated the activity of everolimus (mTOR inhibitor), BKM-120 and BEZ-235 (new Pi3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors), octreotide and a combined treatment (octreotide plus everolimus), on cell proliferation, signaling pathways, and cell cycle proteins, respectively. The in vitro study was conducted on human meningioma primary cells extracted from fresh tumors, allowing the assessment of somatostatin analogs at the concentration levels used in patients. The results were correlated to WHO grades. Further, everolimus decreased cell viability of human meningiomas, but concomitantly, induced Akt activation, reducing the antiproliferative effect of the drug. The new Pi3K inhibitors were not more active than everolimus alone, limiting their clinical relevance. In contrast, a clear cooperative inhibitory effect of octreotide and everolimus was observed on cell proliferation in all tested meningiomas, including WHO grades II-III. Octreotide not only reversed everolimus-induced Akt phosphorylation but also displayed additive and complementary effects with everolimus on downstream proteins involved in translation (4EB-P1), and controlling cell cycle (p27Kip1 and cyclin D1). We have demonstrated a co-operative action between everolimus and octreotide on cell proliferation in human meningiomas, including aggressive ones, establishing the basis for a clinical trial.

Which one is a valuable surrogate for predicting survival between Tomita and Tokuhashi scores in patients with spinal metastases? A meta-analysis for diagnostic test accuracy and individual participant data analysis.

This study is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of Tokuhashi and Tomita scores that assures 6-month predicting survival regarded as a standard of surgical treatment. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, European PubMed central, and the Cochrane library for papers about the sensitivities and specificities of the Tokuhashi and/or Tomita scores to estimate predicting survival. Studies with cut-off values of ≥9 for Tokuhashi and ≤7 for Tomita scores based on prior studies were enrolled. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve (AUC), and the best cut-off value were calculated via meta-analysis and individual participant data analysis. Finally, 22 studies were enrolled in the meta-analysis, and 1095 patients from 8 studies were included in the individual data analysis. In the meta-analysis, the pooled sensitivity/specificity/DOR for 6-month survival were 57.7 %/76.6 %/4.70 for the Tokuhashi score and 81.8 %/47.8 %/4.93 for Tomita score. The AUC of summary receiver operating characteristic plots was 0.748 for the Tokuhashi score and 0.714 for the Tomita score. Although Tokuhashi score was more accurate than Tomita score slightly, both showed low accuracy to predict 6 months residual survival. Moreover, the best cut-off values of Tokuhashi and Tomita scores were 8 and 6, not 9 and 7, for predicting 6-month survival, respectively. Estimation of 6-month predicting survival to decide surgery in patients with spinal metastasis is quite limited by using Tokuhashi and Tomita scores alone. Tokuhashi and Tomita scores could be incorporated as part of a multidisciplinary approach or perhaps interpreted in the context of a multidisciplinary approach.

Spontaneous atlantoaxial pyogenic arthritis surgically managed.

PURPOSE: Septic cervical facet joints arthritis is a rare pathology, usually revealed by fever and neck pain. As symptoms may be indolent, a high index of suspicion needs to be maintained. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective for early diagnostic, looking for local spread and guiding potential preoperative planning. We present a case exhibiting an uncommon pathology with possible significant morbidity if misdiagnosed. METHODS: A 75-year-old woman presented with fever, neck stiffness and torticollis accompanied with altered level of consciousness. RESULTS: The diagnosis was established by computed tomography and MRI, identifying atlantoaxial facet joint destruction with para spinal muscles and epidural abscesses. A surgical treatment consisting in posterior decompression of the spinal canal and atlantoaxial pars articularis fixation known as Harms technique, associated with a targeted antibiotic therapy, succeeded in obtaining favorable clinical course. CONCLUSION: Atlantoaxial septic arthritis is an under reported and severe infection. Early use of MRI should avoid delayed diagnosis and would guide the practitioner in choosing an appropriate therapy. Early surgical treatment for uncontrolled sepsis is also a critical element of the prognosis.

Maverick total disc replacement in a real-world patient population: a prospective, multicentre, observational study.

PURPOSE: Controlled trials have shown that total disc replacement (TDR) can provide pain and disability relief to patients with degenerative disc disease; however, whether these outcomes can also be achieved for patients treated in normal surgical practice has not been well documented. METHODS: This prospective, international study observed changes in disability and back pain in 134 patients who were implanted with Maverick TDR within the framework of routine clinical practice and followed for 2 years post-surgery. Primary and secondary outcomes were the differences from baseline to 6 months post-surgery in the means of the Oswestry Disability Index and the change in back pain intensity assessed on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, respectively. Mean patient age at surgery was 43 years, but ranged up to 65 years. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients had an implant at one level, 10 patients at two levels, and one patient at three levels. Statistically significant improvements in mean disability (-25.4) and low back pain intensity (-4.0) scores were observed at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001 for both) in the hands of experienced surgeons (>10 TDRs per centre). During the study, 56 patients (42 %) experienced a complication or adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first international observational study to report outcomes of TDR in real-world clinical settings. We showed statistically significant improvements in disability and pain scores at 6 months following Maverick TDR, which were maintained for 2 years alongside an acceptable rate of perioperative complications. The safety and tolerability shown in this observational study were comparable to those from controlled trials.

Circumferential fusion using a custom-made screw in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis.

PURPOSE: Management of high-grade spondylolisthesis is challenging and to date no therapeutic consensus is available. Various surgical procedures have been described using unique or double approach. The aim of the study is to describe an original technique using a posterior-only approach to achieve a circumferential lumbosacral fusion with a custom-made screw. METHODS: In our experience, eight patients (mean age 15 years old) were treated for grade III or IV slipping without instrumental reduction. Surgical technique included a laminectomy from L5 to S2, then after mobilization of neural elements a guide wire was inserted from the posterior side of S2 to the antero-superior corner of L5. A specific drill was used and the 10-mm screw was then inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Further steps included a discectomy, lumbosacral interbody graft and posterolateral graft to obtain a circumferential fusion. Clinical and radiological evaluations were obtained. RESULTS: On the whole series, solid fusion was achieved after 6 months on average. Sagittal realignment was observed with a regression of pelvic retroversion and hip flessum, a lumbarization of the lumbar lordosis and an improvement of the thoracic kyphosis. For one patient, a postoperative S1 deficit was observed. CONCLUSION: This technique provides satisfactory results in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis. This concept is based on a double spine instability considering viscoelastic properties of the disc and postoperative sagittal reciprocal changes as prerequisite. This posterior-only approach represents a valuable alternative to other procedures.

Circumferential management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures using an anterior expandable cage, as an alternative to an iliac crest graft, combined with a posterior screw fixation: results of a series of 85 patients.

OBJECT: The optimal management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the results of using an expandable prosthetic vertebral body cage (EPVBC) in the management of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with unstable T7-L4 thoracolumbar fractures underwent implantation of an EPVBC via an anterior approach combined with posterior fixation. Long-term functional outcomes, including visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores, were evaluated. RESULTS: In a mean follow-up period of 16 months, anterior fixation led to a significant increase in vertebral body height, with an average gain of 19%. However, the vertebral regional kyphosis angle was not significantly increased by anterior fixation alone. No significant difference was found between early postoperative, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative regional kyphosis angle and vertebral body height. Postoperative impaction of the prosthetic cage in adjacent endplates was observed in 35% of the cases, without worsening at last follow-up. Complete fusion was observed at 1 year postoperatively and no cases of infections or revisions were observed in relation to the anterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: The use of EPVBCs for unstable thoracolumbar fractures is safe and effective in providing long-term vertebral body height restoration and kyphosis correction, with a moderate surgical and sepsis risk. Anterior cage implantation is an alternative to iliac bone graft fusion and is a viable option in association with a posterior approach, in a single operation without additional risks.