经椎弓根椎体间截骨联合V形截骨术矫正强直性脊柱炎合并重度胸腰椎后凸畸形

目的 评估后路联合经椎弓根椎体间截骨手术(PSO)和椎板关节突V形截骨术矫正强直性脊柱炎(AS)合并重度胸腰椎后凸畸形的临床疗效.方法 2004年8月至2007年6月,共收治AS合并重度胸腰椎后凸畸形患者8例,均为男性,年龄28～46岁,平均32岁;平均胸椎后凸角度(T1～T12)96°(80°～112°),腰椎前凸角度(L1～S1)平均10°(5°～15°),平均颏眉角47°(40°～58°),平均注视角43°(32°～50°).8例患者均在L3椎体行PSO术并在胸腰段(T12～L1,L1-2)之间进行椎板关节突V形截骨.术后综合评估影像学、临床疗效以及并发症的情况.结果 8例患者平均手术时间(298.1±20.7)min,术中失血量(1588.8±171.6)ml.8例患者均获随访,随访时间为(11.5±7.7)个月.术后平均胸椎Cobb角76.1°±9.6°,矫正20.3°±1.1°;术后平均腰椎前凸角48.4°±4.7°,矫正38.4°±4.7°.术后平均颏眉角16.5°±4.6°,注视角73.0°±5.2°.矢状面平衡矫正(12.3±1.6)cm.无血管、神经损伤、应力性骨折等重大并发症发生,术后未发生冠状面的失代偿.结论 后路联合单节段PSO联合双节段楔形截骨术矫正As合并重度后凸畸形效果安全可靠,可明显改善患者视野范围.     

全脊柱截骨联合前方钛网支撑治疗100°以上胸腰段角状后凸畸形

[目的]探讨全脊柱截骨矫形联合应用前方钛网支撑治疗100°度以上胸腰段角状后凸畸形的治疗效果及临床应用价值.[方法] 2008年3月～2011年3月采用经后凸顶椎全脊柱截骨矫形内固定、前方钛网植骨支撑治疗18例重度胸腰段角状后凸患者,男13例,女5例;年龄16 ～34岁,平均22.4岁.术前后凸Cobb角平均为122°(102°～ 175°),其中先天性脊柱后凸8例,陈旧结核性脊柱后凸6例,陈旧创伤性后凸2例,神经纤维瘤病性后凸2例.术前Frankel分级C级2例,D级3例,E级13例,均有不同程度的腰背疼痛.截骨部位均位于胸腰段后凸顶点.[结果]平均手术时间4.5 h(3.5 ～5.5 h),术中平均出血量2020ml(1 200～4500ml),术后后凸Cobb角平均28°(5°～51°),平均矫正率77％.术后平均随访23个月(11 ～33个月),末次随访Cobb角平均33°,平均丢失4°,X线显示截骨部位骨性融合.术中2例出现脑脊液漏,1例血压(—)过性下降.3例术后出现双下肢不全瘫痪,其中1例因截骨近端固定不稳再次翻修手术后恢复,2例保守治疗后恢复.末次随访时Frankel分级D级2例,E级16例.[结论]全脊柱截骨术联合应用前方钛网支撑治疗100°度以上胸腰段角状后凸畸形矫形效果良好,可避免脊柱过度短缩造成脊髓折皱,提高了手术安全性,但因畸形严重仍存在神经并发症风险.     

前路内固定治疗胸腰椎结核伴后凸畸形与截瘫

目的：探讨前路植骨内固定治疗胸腰段脊柱结核伴后凸畸形与截瘫的疗效。方法：1996年～2002年4月采用前路病灶清除，植骨内固定治疗胸腰椎结核伴后凸畸形与截瘫62例，观察术后植骨融合、畸形矫正、截瘫恢复及结核病灶愈合情况。结果：平均随访2年2个月，56例患者获访，平均融合时间为3．6个月。骨性融合率100％。在胸段、胸腰段及腰段后凸畸形分别平均纠正29°、15°及9°，随访时无矫正度丢失；伴截瘫者11例，Frankel神经功能平均恢复2级；本组脊柱结核均治愈。结论：一期前路病灶清除植骨内固定，融合时间短，畸形矫正效果好，减压彻底，有利于截瘫恢复。     

胸腰段特发性脊柱侧凸的前路矫正术

目的评价胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸经前路矫正术的临床效果。方法1998年1月~2004年1月,76例胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸患者接受前路选择性矫正融合术。患者共76例,男19例,女57例,平均年龄为16.2岁(13~27岁)。按照Lenke分型,Ⅴ型41例,Ⅵ型35例。其中Lenke Ⅴ型术前胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均51.3°(38°~65°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均35.5°(23°~41°);Lenke Ⅵ型术前胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均53.4°(46°~68°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均39.2°(27°~51°)。所有患者均接受侧前路矫正选择性胸腰段融合。术后以及随访中对胸腰段侧凸矫正以及胸段代偿矫正情况进行分析对比,同时采用SRS-22评分评价患者手术前后的功能状况。结果患者均安全完成手术,无严重并发症发生。所有患者均随访2年以上(2~5年)。Lenke Ⅴ型组术后胸腰段侧凸Cobb角平均11.2°(3°~15°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均8.3°(2°~11°),最终随访时分别为13.2°(5°~17°)和10.1°(4°~15°),无躯干冠状面失代偿发生;LenkeⅥ型组术后Cobb角平均16.3°(8°~21°),胸段侧凸Cobb角平均13.7°(11°~19°),最终随访时分别为17.5°(11°~24°)和15.2°(14°~21°);仅1例发生躯干冠状面失代偿,但不需要进一步治疗。两组之间无统计学差异。所有患者均在术后以及最终随访时填写了SRS-22评分表,结果显示两组患者均对治疗结果表示满意。结论胸腰段/腰段特发性脊柱侧凸经前路矫正、选择性融合可以获得良好矫正,术后胸段弯曲能够获得较好的代偿矫正,并在远期随访中维持矫正效果和躯干冠状面的平衡。     

后路截骨矫形钉棒固定、前中柱垫高在脊柱骨折迟发后凸畸形中的应用

目的探讨脊柱后路截骨矫形钉棒固定、前中柱垫高在胸腰段脊柱陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形中的应用。方法回顾研究胸腰段脊柱陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形27例的临床资料,均有脊髓损伤,括约肌功能障碍14例,7例有显著腰背部疼痛,15例既往有手术史。结果所有患者获随访平均17个月(6~48个月)。术后即刻后凸Cobb角平均15°(4°~26°),末次随访时后凸Cobb角平均为18°(7°~27°)。末次随访时后凸畸形矫正率平均为69.5%。脊髓损伤Frankel分级术前为:A级3例,B级15例,C级6例,D级3例;术后为:A级2例,B级7例,C级15例,D级3例;7例有显著腰背部疼痛患者,6例评分由术前10分改善为2分,1例由10分改善为4分。结论脊柱后路截骨矫形钉棒固定、前中柱垫高是治疗胸腰段脊柱陈旧骨折继发后凸畸形的有效措施,术后矫形效果佳,远期效果好。     

边缘性病灶切除术治疗重度脊柱结核

目的 探讨前路结核病灶边缘性切除术治疗重度脊柱结核伴后凸畸形与截瘫的疗效.方法 对2000年5月～2005年6月收治32例伴有后凸畸形与截瘫的重度胸腰椎结核,采用前路结核病灶边缘性切除术,同时用钛网和钢板重建脊柱稳定性,观察术后植骨融合、畸形矫正、截瘫恢复及结核病灶愈合情况.结果 植骨平均融合时间为6个月,融合率100%.在胸段、胸腰段及腰段后凸畸形分别平均纠正29°、25°及19°,随访时矫正度丢失＜10°.伴截瘫者11例,Frankel神经功能达到E级.本组脊柱结核均治愈.结论 前路结核病灶边缘性切除术治疗重度脊柱结核,可彻底清除病灶,畸形矫正效果好,骨性融合时间短,减压彻底,结核病灶无复发.     

先天性腰椎后凸畸形的因特网病例讨论(Ⅱ)

病例讨论 因椎体畸形所致的先天性脊柱后凸和椎体分节不良较少见,但可引起严重脊柱畸形和功能障碍[1,2].正常的脊柱在矢状面上有四个平衡的弯曲:颈段呈前凸,胸段呈后凸(20°～30°),弯曲自T2～T12,T7位于弯曲的顶点;腰椎呈前凸(40°～60°),L3是弯曲的顶点;骶骨呈后凸.     

后路经椎弓根截骨治疗胸腰椎创伤性后凸畸形

目的探讨后路经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨治疗胸腰椎创伤性后凸畸形的疗效。方法对18例胸腰椎创伤性后凸畸形患者采用后路经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨治疗。结果患者均获随访,时间24～62(47.7±9.5)个月。神经损伤ASIA评分:术前为25～44(34.6±7.2)分,末次随访时为35～50(47.7±9.5)分,较术前平均提高13.1分±3.1分。椎体后凸Cobb角:术前为21°～35°(27.89°±4.63°),术后为2°～8°(4.13°±0.87°),较术前平均改善23.7°±3.3°,末次随访时丢失1.3°±0.2°。随访期内未出现深部感染、椎弓根断裂及神经损伤加重等并发症。结论采用后路经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨治疗胸腰椎创伤性后凸畸形效果显著。     

术中CT在后路全椎弓根螺钉治疗重度脊柱侧凸中的初步应用

目的:探讨术中CT在重度脊柱侧凸患者后路全椎弓根螺钉手术中的应用价值和临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析了2009年6月至201 1年6月行全椎弓根螺钉后路治疗的32例重度脊柱侧凸患者,其中男12例,女20例;年龄10～38岁,平均16.8岁;其中19例合并后凸.在术中椎弓根钉置钉完成后应用术中CT扫描多平面重建图像评估螺钉位置并分级,计算在上胸椎(T1-T4),中胸椎(T5-T8),下胸椎(T9-T12)和腰椎的螺钉评级结果及螺钉数目(比率),评估为2级和3级的螺钉为误置螺钉.计算术中应用CT次数.测量患者手术前后冠状面Cobb角及合并后凸病例手术前后矢状面后凸Cobb角,计算侧凸及后凸矫正率.结果:32例患者共置入胸腰椎螺钉686枚,其中胸椎螺钉544枚,腰椎螺钉142枚,其中14例患者行截骨手术.经术中CT评估分级,在上胸椎、中胸椎、下胸椎和腰椎的误置螺钉率分别是5.6％,11.1％,6.7％和4.3％,在胸腰椎总计是7.3％,误置螺钉在术中进行了修正.术中平均应用CT 2.6次(2～4次).术前侧凸Cobb角平均95°(78°～123°),术后侧凸Cobb角平均为34°(19°～53°),矫正率为64％;合并后凸病例术前后凸Cobb角69°(46°～82°),术后后凸Cobb角平均为32°(22°～45°),矫正率为54％.术后有4例患者脑脊液漏,未发现神经血管损伤病例及手术伤口感染病例.所有病例获得随访,时间12～26个月,平均18个月.未发现断钉、断棒、假关节形成等并发症发生.结论:在重度脊柱侧凸全椎弓根螺钉后路手术中应用术中CT可及时发现误置螺钉并进行修正,避免了因螺钉误置导致的二次手术,保障了手术安全,手术效果良好.     

边缘性病灶切除术治疗重度脊柱结核

目的：探讨前路结核病灶边缘性切除术治疗重度脊柱结核伴后凸畸形与截瘫的疗效。方法：收集2000年5月-2005年6月间32例伴有后凸畸形与截瘫的重度胸腰椎结核病人，采用前路结核病灶边缘性切除术，同时用钛网和钢板重建脊柱稳定性，观察术后植骨融合、畸形矫正、截瘫恢复及结核病灶愈合情况。结果：平均随访3．5年，30例患者获访，平均融合时间为6个月。骨性融合率100％。在胸段、胸腰段及腰段后凸畸形分别平均纠正29°、25°及19°，随访时矫正度丢失〈10°：伴截瘫者11例，Frankel神经功能达到E级；本组脊柱结核均治愈。结论：前路结核病灶边缘性切除术治疗重度脊柱结核，可彻底清除病灶，畸形矫正效果好，骨性融合时间短，减压彻底，结核病灶无复发。     

Natural history of Pott’s kyphosis

The natural history of Pott’s kyphosis is different from that of other spinal deformities. After healing of the spinal infection, the post-tubercular kyphosis in adults is static but in children variable progression of the kyphosis is seen. The changes occurring in the spine of children, after the healing of the tubercular lesion, are more significant than the changes that occur during the active stage of infection. During growth, there is a decrease in deformity in 44 % of the children, an increase in deformity in 39 % of the children and no change in deformity in 17 % of the children. The critical factor leading to the progress of the deformity is dislocation of the facets. This can be identified on radiographs by the “Spine-at-risk” signs. Dislocation of facets at more than two levels can lead to the “Buckling collapse” of the spine, which is characteristically seen only in severe tubercular kyphosis in children. Age below 10 years, vertebral body loss of more than 1–1.5 pre-treatment deformity angle of greater than 30° and involvement of cervicothoracic or thoracolumbar junction are the other risk factors for deformity progression. In children, the kyphosis can progress even after healing of the spinal infection and hence children with spinal tuberculosis must be followed-up till skeletal maturity.

     

Paraplegia of late onset in adolescents with healed childhood caries of dorsal spine: A cause of pressure on the cord and treatment

Background:

Paraplegia of late onset in adolescents with caries of dorsal spine is considered to be due to the reactivation of infection. Internal salient at the level of acute kyphotic deformity of the dorsal spine is formed by posterior cartilaginous remains of grossly destroyed vertebral bodies. The author presents a study of eight adolescent patients with paraplegia of late onset associated with severe kyphotic deformity of dorsal spine with observations on the cause of paraplegia, the final neurological outcome following anterior decompression and its prevention.

Materials and Methods:

Eight adolescent patients mean age 14.4 yrs 6 males and 2 females with healed childhood caries of dorsal spine, having a mean kyphotic angle of 80° (range 60°–140°) presented with paraplegia of late onset. Of these patients, two had medical research council grade 0 muscle power; four had grade 2 muscle power, and two others had grade 3 muscle power in the lower limbs and were unable to walk unaided. One patient with 140° kyphoscoliotic deformity with grade 3 muscle power had post-polio residual paralysis (PPRP) in addition. All patients were subjected to thorough anterior spinal decompression through transthoracic, transpleural thoracotomy from the left side.

Results:

In six of the eight patients, the spine at the site of deformity being very rigid, the deformity could not be corrected and the intervertebral gap was bridged with appropriate autogenous tricortical cortico cancelluous bone graft. In one patient (case 4), the kyphotic deformity could be corrected by 50%. In one patient with 140° kyphosis and PPRP, the gap after the decompression of cord, could not be bridged with bone graft and was given a custom made, well molded plastic black shell to wear while walking and, in particular, while traveling in a vehicle. In all seven patients, bone grafts took six months for bridging the intervertebral gaps. All patients recovered to grade 4 muscle power 6–12 months after surgery.

Conclusion:

In adolescents with healed caries of dorsal spine with acute kyphosis and paraplegia, the treatment of choice is anterior surgical decompression of the cord and bridging the gap thus created with bone graft.     

Kyphosis recurrence after posterior short-segment fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures

OBJECT: Recurrent kyphosis has been commonly seen after posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation for a thoracolumbar fracture, but studies on this issue are relatively scarce, and the clinical significance of recurrent deformity is uncertain. No study has addressed the associations between the reduction of a burst fracture vertebra and the final recurrent kyphosis after implant removal. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrent kyphosis after short-segment pedicle screw fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures and to evaluate the effect of the degree of a vertebral reduction on the recurrent kyphotic deformity after implant removal. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who had undergone posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures (T12-L2) were investigated retrospectively. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (mean 2.7 years). Pain status was evaluated using the Denis pain scale. Changes in the anterior vertebral height ratio, vertebral wedge angle, upper intervertebral angle, lower intervertebral angle, Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, before implant removal, and at final follow-up. The correlation between the reduction of a fractured vertebra and the recurrent kyphotic deformity was also analyzed. RESULTS: After the initial surgical correction, the reduced vertebral body (VB) height (anterior vertebral height ratio and vertebral wedge angle) remained stable until final follow-up, whereas the intervertebral disc space (the upper and lower intervertebral angles) collapsed, resulting in a progressive kyphotic deformity (Cobb angle, regional angle, and sagittal index). No significant correlation was found between the final kyphosis and pain scale, but the 8 patients with a sagittal index > 15 degrees showed a higher incidence of moderate to severe pain (P3-5 on the Denis pain scale) compared with the remaining 19 patients with a sagittal index < 15 degrees . Significant positive correlation was found between recurrent kyphosis and vertebral wedge angle (r = 0.850, p < 0.001) and the reduced vertebral height (r = -0.727, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given that the correction loss occurs primarily through disc space collapse, the amount of the final kyphotic deformity was predictable by the degree of the fractured vertebral reduction as seen on the lateral x-ray study. Surgeons who perform posterior reduction and fixation procedures should pay more attention to reducing the fractured vertebral wedge angle to its intact condition, rather than the segmental angular parameters. If the wedge angle of the fractured VB is unacceptable after reduction, additional reconstruction of the anterior column may be necessary.     

脊柱截骨术治疗创伤僵硬性胸腰段后凸畸形的解剖与临床研究

目的探讨经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术治疗创伤僵硬性胸腰段后凸畸形的安全性和有效性。方法解剖研究中将16具新鲜胸腰段脊柱标本按不同脊柱截骨术分为3组,A组：脊柱开放-闭合截骨术,B组：经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术,C组：改良经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术（截骨包括上位椎间盘后半部分）。测量截骨前后Cobb角的变化、椎体高度和椎体前缘高度的变化。临床研究中共26例患者,其中男性18例,女性8例,平均36岁。受伤至本次手术时间3个月～11年,平均25个月。入院前治疗包括非手术治疗9例,手术治疗17例。神经损伤程度按照Frankel分级：A级10例,B级2例,C级10例,D级2例,E级2例。本组病例均有不同程度的腰背部疼痛,VAS评分平均4．5分（2．5～6．0分）。后凸角20°～75°,平均35°。根据后凸角大小选择行后路经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术或改良椎体楔形截骨术。结果解剖研究胸腰段标本中A组平均纠正（38．0±2．5）°,B组（36．0±3．6）°,C组（49．0±2．0）°。A组椎体高度平均增加（13．8±1．4）mm,椎体前缘增加（30．2±2．5）mm,而B、C组椎体高度平均短缩（2．8±0．8）mm和（3．8±0．7）mm,前缘增加（25．0±1．2）mm和（2．2±0．9）mm。临床研究患者均获随访,随访时间10个月～6年,平均12．5个月,患者获得满意减压和后凸畸形矫正,术后后凸角度平均为10．8°（0°～40°）,脊柱后凸畸形平均矫正24°。50％患者的神经功能得到了不同程度恢复,全瘫患者恢复率为30％,主要是感觉功能恢复,而不全瘫患者的恢复率为64．3％,感觉和运动功能均有恢复。腰背部疼痛有不同程度好转,VAS评分平均2．3分（1．0～3．5分）。结论创伤僵硬性胸腰段后凸畸形患者可以选择经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术或改良经椎弓根椎体楔形截骨术。术后可获得满意的减压效果和后凸畸形纠正,神经功能有不同程度恢复,腰背部疼痛有不同程度好转。     

椎体切除截骨矫形术治疗胸腰段脊柱后凸的疗效观察

目的观察椎体切除截骨矫形术治疗胸腰段脊柱后凸的矫正效果。方法2004年8月至2008年7月,采用后路椎体切除截骨矫形椎弓根钉棒固定植骨融合术治疗15例脊柱后凸患者,男10例,女5例;年龄12～62岁,平均32.3岁;后凸角度45°～110°,平均78.5°。病因：椎体肿瘤术后3例,先天性脊柱畸形5例,创伤后脊椎后凸4例,椎体结核术后3例。受累节段：均位于胸腰段,T_（11） 3例,T_（12） 5例,L_1 5例,L_2 2例。椎体切除：部分切除4例,单节段切除8例,2节段切除2例,4节段切除1例。术前,术后1周、3个月、1年摄全脊柱X线片,同时行MR及CT检查。结果全部获得随访,随访时间为10个月～3年,平均26个月。术后后凸角为0°～40°,平均20°,平均改善68.5°。术后患者腰痛均消失。脊髓功能：13例E级无明显变化,1例由Frankel C级恢复至D级,另1例由D级恢复至E级。8～12个月X线片示截骨融合,无一例出现钉棒松动、断裂、假关节形成及矫正度数丢失等。结论椎体切除截骨矫形是治疗脊柱后凸畸形的有效手段,能达到矢状面和冠状面的同时矫正且矫形彻底。     

一期后路全脊椎切除治疗胸腰段结核僵硬性角状后凸畸形

目的探讨一期后路全脊椎切除（PVCR）治疗胸腰段结核继发僵硬性角状后凸畸形的安全性和有效性。方法 2004年1月至2009年9月,12例胸腰段结核继发僵硬性角状后凸畸形患者接受手术,男4例、女8例,平均年龄42.4岁。术前及术后3、6、12个月,之后每隔1年分别测量脊柱后凸Cobb角,并行神经功能Frankel分级、疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）。结果手术时间平均5.5h,术中出血平均2410ml;无围手术期死亡病例发生。平均随访25.3个月,术前、术后测得后凸Cobb角分别为49.9°±12.5°、18.3°±3.4°,平均矫正31.7°±10.9°,矫正率为62.8%±5.8%。术前合并神经功能障碍5例,FrankelC级3例、D级2例,术后FrankelD级1例,神经功能改善率80%。围手术期发生脑脊液漏和切口感染各1例,发生率为16.7%;随访期发现内固定物松动1例,发生率为8.3%。术前VAS评分平均7.8分,术后平均2.9分,改善率62.3%。所有病例均未出现神经损伤并发症,植骨节段全部骨性融合。结论一期PVCR可安全有效地用于胸腰段结核病灶清除、矫正僵硬性角状后凸畸形。     

Surgical correction of kyphosis: posterior total wedge resection osteotomy in 32 patients

BACKGROUND: Many surgical procedures have been developed for the treatment of kyphoscoliosis. We present our experience of one technique for posterior total wedge resection osteotomy, with clinical and radiographic results. This is a one-stage solution which results in a shortened posterior column and reduced tension on the spinal cord in rigid angular kyphosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2000, we treated 32 patients with rigid local kyphosis by posterior wedge osteotomy and instrumentation. The etiology was congenital malformation in 17 cases, infection in 11 and previous laminectomy in 4 cases. The osteotomy is performed at the apex of the kyphotic deformity and covers two vertebrae. The upper and lower borders of the osteotomy are right inferior to the transverse processes of the upper and lower vertebrae respectively. The apex of the posteriorly based triangular osteotomy is either at the anterior vertebral body or anterior longitudinal ligament. RESULTS: The mean preoperative angle of local kyphosis was 72 (25-112) degrees mainly at the thoracolumbar region, and it improved to a mean of 23 (0-48) degrees after an average follow-up of 57 (24-108) months. The mean preoperative sagittal plumbline imbalance of 5.5 (2-12) cm was improved to 1.2 (-2-3.5) cm postoperatively. The mean loss of correction since operation was 3.4 (0-11) degrees. Radiographically, solid anterior and posterior fusion was achieved in all patients by 6 months. 1 patient had irreversible paraplegia and 2 others had transient nerve root injury postoperatively. INTERPRETATION: Posterior total wedge resection osteotomy eliminates the need for anterior procedure and does not cause tractional force on the spinal cord, since the posterior column is shortened. This is an effective one-stage procedure, especially for the treatment of sharp and rigid kyphosis.     

Infantile kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia: six cases with excessive upright sleeping as a possible cause

Abnormal thoracolumbar kyphosis in infants may be due to lumbar hypoplasia that resolves with development of upright posture. The cause of this deformity has not been previously identified. The goal of this study was to find whether excessive time in an upright posture while sleeping and sitting may play a role in the etiology of infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis. We retrospectively reviewed infants with the diagnosis of kyphosis from 2001 to 2005. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed prior to age 3 years without syndromic, neuromuscular, or congenital kyphosis and minimum 2-year follow-up. Serial radiographic evaluation was used to assess change in kyphotic deformity. Six infants with an average age of 7 months at the time of diagnosis were identified. All had marked thoracolumbar kyphosis with vertebral wedging and scalloping. Some had pseudosubluxation at the T12-L1 level. The initial average Cobb angle was 30° (normal, 0°-5°). Careful history revealed that all patients slept in an upright posture in addition to sitting while awake. All of the patients were observed following parental instruction in proper sleeping and sitting habits. At last follow-up, all patients had normal sagittal alignment with an average Cobb angle of 1.3°. Proper sleeping and sitting habits with good spine support is recommended for infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis with lumbar hypoplasia. Allowing "tummy time" during waking hours may help the paraspinal muscles gain strength to provide support to the spine. Radiographic evidence of vertebral body height restoration may be delayed for several years.     

Unstable fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine: the audit of an 8-year series with early reduction using Harrington instrumentation

A series of 112 patients with acute unstable fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine managed uniformly by early reduction using Harrington's instrumentation was analysed. The level of injury was T6-T11 in 19, T12-L1 in 67 and L2-L5 in 26 patients. On admission, 28 patients had complete paraplegia corresponding to the level of the lesion, 55 had partial lesions and 29 no neural damage. The policy of management comprised reduction by dual distraction rods and simultaneous short posterolateral fusion as an emergency procedure. Anterior decompression of the spinal canal, if required, was performed subsequently. The duration of the postoperative period in bed was 6 weeks. The rods were removed after 9-12 months. The radiographical result and neurological recovery were assessed after an average personal follow-up for 3.1 years. The height of the fractured vertebra was initially well restored, the mean angle of kyphosis being 14 degrees on admission and 5 degrees immediately postoperatively. However, gradually the fractured vertebral body and the intervertebral discs collapsed slightly and at follow-up the mean angle of kyphosis was 12 degrees. On the other hand, the reduction of the initial sagittal displacement of the fractured vertebral body into the spinal canal, could be maintained and a good anatomical end-result was achieved in most cases. The ultimate radiographical results were better after injuries of the thoracic spine and the thoracolumbar junction than after those of the lumbar spine. Improvement of neural function was seen in 28 patients (34 per cent of those with a deficit). Complications of clinical importance occurred in 29 patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

单节段“蛋壳”式椎体截骨术矫正胸腰段脊柱后凸畸形

目的研究单节段"蛋壳"式椎体截骨术矫正胸腰段脊柱后凸畸形的临床疗效。方法回顾分析2002年6月~2006年6月收治的骨折后陈旧性胸腰段椎体后凸畸形患者共21例,既往治疗包括非手术治疗8例,后路手术治疗13例。本组所有患者均有不同程度的腰背痛,疼痛的VAS评分为4.3~7.5分,平均5.6分;神经损伤程度按照Frankel分级进行评定,A级5例,B级3例,C级7例,D级2例,E级4例。本组后凸畸形的Cobb角为28°~75°,平均48°,后凸顶端均为原骨折椎体节段,所有患者均采用后路单节段"蛋壳"技术于后凸顶椎处进行椎体截骨,通过椎弓根固定系统加压固定。观察手术前后后凸畸形的矫正率、疼痛VAS评分及神经功能的恢复。结果所有患者均获得随访,随访6~48个月,平均22个月。手术平均用时212min(128~360min),平均出血量为800mL(400~2200mL)。术后后凸角平均为13°,平均矫正约35°;腰背部疼痛均有明显缓解,术后随访VAS评分平均2.3分(1.0~3.5分),比术前平均降低3.3分。结论单节段"蛋壳"式椎体截骨术截骨后前中后三柱均为骨性接触,融合率高,矫正效果可靠(平均35°),避免了前方大血管损伤的危险,此术式在矫正胸腰段脊柱后凸畸形这一方面是一种安全有效的方法。