Modified posterior unilateral subtotal corpectomy osteotomy correction for old thoracolumbar vertebral fractures combined with kyphosis

Abstract

Objective \nTo evaluate the efficacy of modified posterior unilateral subtotal corpectomy osteotomy correction for old thoracolumbar vertebral fractures combined with kyphosis. \n \n \nMethods \nA retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze 18 patients with old thoracolumbar vertebral fractures combined with kyphosis admitted to the Henan Provincial People s Hospital from January 2012 to October 2016. There were 10 males and eight females, aged 25-70 years, with an average age of 38.2 years. The injured segments and osteotomy segments included T11 in one patient, T12in four, L1 in six, and L2 in seven. Five patients had neurological impairment symptoms classified as grade D according to Frankel s classification. All patients underwent the modified posterior unilateral subtotal corpectomy osteotomy correction. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and kyphosis Cobb angle were compared before operation, half a year after operation and at the last follow-up. The osteotomy fusion was evaluated by Suk criterion and Frankel grading was used to evaluate the recovery of nerve function. The complications were also recorded. \n \n \nResults \nAll patients were followed up for 12-24 months, with an average of 17.6 months. The operation time was 160-285 minutes [(190.0±42.6)minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 500-800 ml[(610.0±134.3)ml]. The difference of kyphosis Cobb angle between preoperative [(40.5±9.8)°] and [(5.5±1.6)°] at 6 months postoperatively had statistical significance (P 0.05). The VAS score and ODI at 6 months after operation and at the final follow-up [(3.1±1.3)points, (2.7±0.7)points and 7.5±5.1, 6.4±2.5] were significantly different compared with those before operation [(7.6±2.4)points, 68.7±10.4] (P<0.05). Bone cutting surface was healed osseously in all patients. The five patients with preoperative neurological impairment of grade D were assigned with grade E at the last follow up. There were two patients with dural rupture and one with pleural effusion during the operation. No complications such as nerve damage, infection or thrombosis occurred. No loosening, fracture or heterotopic ossification occurred during follow-up. \n \n \nConclusion \nFor old thoracolumbar vertebral fracture combined with kyphosis, the modified posterior unilateral vertebral column resection through unilateral approach can not only achieve the bone fusion between the injured vertebra and the adjacent vertebral body, but also avoid the shortening of the spine, correcting kyphosis and relieving pain, with low incidence of complications. \n \n \nKey words: \nThoracic vertebrae;\xa0Lumbar vertebrae;\xa0Spinal fractures;\xa0Kyphosis;\xa0Posterior vertebral column resection