Gregory M. Malham

Factors predicting cervical collar-related decubitus ulceration in major trauma patients.

Study Design. Retrospective medical record and electronic database audit to ascertain the incidence and predictors of cervical collar-related decubitus ulceration (CRU). Objective. To determine the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of CRU in major trauma patients immobilized in Philadelphia cervical collars. Summary of Background Data. Cervical spine immobilization requires the utilization of a cervical collar before spinal clearance, which may be complicated by CRU and increased morbidity. Methods. From a trauma registry database at a level 1 trauma center, 299 major trauma patients admitted over a 6-month period were identified. Predictors of CRU were retrospectively examined and assessed for relative importance using medical records and prospective infection control and radiology databases. Results. Clinically significant predictors of CRU were ICU admission (P = 0.007), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.005), the necessity for cervical MRI (P ≤ 0.001), and time to cervical spine clearance (P ≤ 0.001). Time to cervical spine clearance was the major indicator, such that the risk of CRU increased by 66% for every 1 day increase in cervical collar time. Conclusion. In major trauma patients at a level 1 trauma center, the risk of CRU development increased significantly for every day of Philadelphia cervical collar time. Associated increased morbidity may be reduced by measures aimed at earlier cervical spine clearance.

Early decompressive craniectomy for patients with severe traumatic brain injury and refractory intracranial hypertension—A pilot randomized trial

PURPOSE The aims of this study were to test the feasibility and to assess potential recruitment rates in a pilot study preliminary to a phase III randomized trial of decompressive craniectomy surgery in patients with diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) and refractory intracranial hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study protocol was developed, inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, and a standardized surgical technique was established. Neurologic outcomes were assessed 6 months after injury with a validated structured questionnaire and a single trained assessor blind to treatment group. RESULTS During the 8-month pilot study at a level 1 trauma center in Melbourne, Australia, 69 intensive care patients with severe TBI were assessed for inclusion. Six patients were eligible, and 5 (8%) were randomized. Six months after injury, 100% of patients received outcome assessments. Key improvements to the multicenter Decompressive Craniectomy study protocol were enabled by the pilot study. CONCLUSIONS In patients with severe TBI and refractory intracranial hypertension, the frequency of favorable neurologic outcomes (independent living) was low and similar to predicted values (40% favorable). A future multicenter phase III trial involving 18 neurotrauma centers with most sites conservatively recruiting at just 25% of the pilot study rate would require at least 5 years to achieve an estimated 210-patient sample size. Collaboration with neurotrauma centers in countries other than Australia and New Zealand would be required for such a phase III trial to be successful.

Nonoperative Management of Type II Odontoid Fractures in the Elderly

Study Design. Retrospective case series of elderly patients with Type II odontoid fractures, with prospective functional follow-up. Objective. We aimed to investigate the functional outcomes after nonoperative management of Type II odontoid fractures in elderly patients at a Level 1 trauma center. Summary of Background Data. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate method of treatment of Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly population. The primary aim of management has generally been considered to be the achievement of osseous fusion. Methods. Patients ≥65 years of age presenting to a Level 1 trauma center with Type II odontoid fractures were identified retrospectively from a prospective neurosurgery database. Those initially treated operatively, or who died before follow-up were excluded. Long-term pain and functional outcomes were assessed. Results. Forty-two patients were followed up at a median of 24 months post injury. Ten patients (24%) were treated in cervical collars alone and 32 patients (76%) were managed in halothoracic braces. Radiographically demonstrated osseous fusion occurred in 50% of patients treated in collars and in 37.5% of patients managed in halothoracic bracing. However, fracture stability was achieved in 90% and 100% of cases respectively. In patients treated in collars, 1 patient had severe residual neck pain, severe disability, and poor functional outcome. There were no cases of severe pain or disability, or poor functional outcome in patients managed in halothoracic orthoses. There was no difference in outcome in those achieving osseous union compared with stable fibrous union. Conclusion. The nonoperative management of Type II odontoid fractures in elderly patients results in fracture stability, by either osseous union or fibrous union in almost all patients. Long-term clinical and functional outcomes seem to be more favorable when fractures have been treated with halothoracic bracing in preference to cervical collars. Stable fibrous union may be an adequate aim of management in elderly patients.

Clinical outcome and fusion rates after the first 30 extreme lateral interbody fusions

Introduction. The lateral transpsoas approach for lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF) is gaining popularity. Studies examining a surgeons early experience are rare. We aim to report treatment, complication, clinical, and radiographic outcomes in an early series of patients. Methods. Prospective data from the first thirty patients treated with XLIF by a single surgeon was reviewed. Outcome measures included pain, disability, and quality of life assessment. Radiographic assessment of fusion was performed by computed tomography. Results. Average follow-up was 11.5 months, operative time was 60 minutes per level and blood loss was 50 mL. Complications were observed: clinical subsidence, cage breakage upon insertion, new postoperative motor deficit and bowel injury. Approach side-effects were radiographic subsidence and anterior thigh sensory changes. Two patients required reoperation; microforaminotomy and pedicle screw fixation respectively. VAS back and leg pain decreased 63% and 56%, respectively. ODI improved 41.2% with 51.3% and 8.1% improvements in PCS and MCS. Complete fusion (last follow-up) was observed in 85%. Conclusion. The XLIF approach provides superior treatment, clinical outcomes and fusion rates compared to conventional surgical approaches with lowered complication rates. Mentor supervision for early cases and strict adherence to the surgical technique including neuromonitoring is essential.

Maintenance of segmental lordosis and disk height in stand-alone and instrumented extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF).

Study Design: A prospective single-surgeon nonrandomized clinical study. Objective: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes, by fixation type, in extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) patients and provide an algorithm for determining patients suitable for stand-alone XLIF. Summary of Background Data: XLIF may be supplemented with pedicle screw fixation, however, since stabilizing structures remain intact, it is suggested that stand-alone XLIF can be used for certain indications. This eliminates the associated morbidity, though subsidence rates may be elevated, potentially minimizing the clinical benefits. Materials and Methods: A fixation algorithm was developed after evaluation of patient outcomes from the surgeon’s first 30 cases. This algorithm was used prospectively for 40 subsequent patients to determine the requirement for supplemental fixation. Preoperative, postoperative, and 12-month follow-up computed tomography scans were measured for segmental and global lumbar lordosis and posterior disk height. Clinical outcome measures included back and leg pain (visual analogue scale), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SF-36 physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS). Results: Preoperatively to 12-month follow-up there were increases in segmental lordosis (7.9–9.4 degrees, P=0.0497), lumbar lordosis (48.8–55.2 degrees, P=0.0328), and disk height (3.7–5.5 mm, P=0.0018); there were also improvements in back (58.6%) and leg pain (60.0%), ODI (44.4%), PCS (56.7%), and MCS (16.1%) for stand-alone XLIF. For instrumented XLIF, segmental lordosis (7.6–10.5 degrees, P=0.0120) and disk height (3.5–5.6 mm, P<0.001) increased, while lumbar lordosis decreased (51.1–45.8 degrees, P=0.2560). Back (49.8%) and leg pain (30.8%), ODI (32.3%), PCS (37.4%), and MCS (2.0%) were all improved. Subsidence occurred in 3 (7.5%) stand-alone patients. Conclusions: The XLIF treatment fixation algorithm provided a clinical pathway to select suitable patients for stand-alone XLIF. These patients achieved positive clinical outcomes, satisfactory fusion rates, with sustained correction of lordosis and restoration of disk height.

Cervical spine assessment in the unconscious trauma patient: a major trauma service's experience with passive flexion-extension radiography.

BACKGROUND There is no consensus on the most appropriate method of cervical spine assessment in unconscious trauma patients. Passive flexion-extension imaging is one option for further investigating unconscious patients whose plain cervical radiographs are normal. This study examines the usefulness of this passive imaging in investigating for occult cervical injury. METHODS All unconscious patients admitted to The Alfred Trauma Intensive Care Unit over 1 year (January 1-December 31, 1998), who could not be clinically assessed within 48 hours in regard to their cervical spine, were identified. Results of passive flexion-extension radiography were compared with final injury status and clinical outcome as determined by retrospective review of the imaging reports, radiographic films, and case notes. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three patients with normal three-view plain radiographs proceeded to passive functional investigation. These were false-negative in four of the seven patients with cervical spine injuries at presentation. No patients suffered any adverse neurologic events from their delayed diagnoses or from the flexion-extension procedure. CONCLUSION Passive flexion-extension imaging has inadequate sensitivity for detecting occult cervical spine injuries. Although no patients suffered adverse neurologic complications, the potential for devastating consequences from missed cervical injury has resulted in the removal of passive flexion-extension imaging from the screening protocol.

Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging in alert, neurologically intact trauma patients with persistent midline tenderness and negative computed tomography results

STUDY OBJECTIVE We aim to determine the prevalence and factors associated with cervical discoligamentous injuries detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute, alert, neurologically intact trauma patients with computed tomography (CT) imaging negative for acute injury and persistent midline cervical spine tenderness. We present the cross-sectional analysis of baseline information collected as a component of a prospective observational study. METHODS Alert, neurologically intact trauma patients presenting to a Level I trauma center with CT negative for acute injury, who underwent MRI for investigation of persistent midline cervical tenderness, were prospectively recruited. Deidentified images were assessed, and injuries were identified and graded. Outcome measures included the presence and extent of MRI-detected injury of the cervical ligaments, intervertebral discs, spinal cord and associated soft tissues. RESULTS There were 178 patients recruited during a 2-year period to January 2009. Of these, 78 patients (44%) had acute cervical injury detected on MRI. There were 48 single-column injuries, 15 two-column injuries, and 5 three-column injuries. Of the remaining 10 patients, 6 had isolated posterior muscle edema, 2 had alar ligamentous edema, 1 had epidural hematoma, and 1 had atlanto-occipital edema. The injuries to 38 patients (21%) were managed clinically; 33 patients were treated in cervical collars for 2 to 12 weeks, and 5 patients (2.8%) underwent operative management, 1 of whom had delayed instability. Ordinal logistic regression revealed that factors associated with a higher number of spinal columns injured included advanced CT-detected cervical spondylosis (odds ratio [OR] 11.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9 to 34.3), minor isolated thoracolumbar fractures (OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.5 to 19.7), and multidirectional cervical spine forces (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.2). CONCLUSION In patients with cervical midline tenderness and negative acute CT findings, we found that a subset of patients had MRI-detected cervical discoligamentous injuries and that advanced cervical spine degeneration evident on CT, minor thoracolumbar fracture, and multidirectional cervical spine forces were associated with increased injury extent. However, a larger study is required to validate which variables may reliably predict clinically important injury in such patients, thereby indicating the need for further radiographic assessment.

Survival of trauma patients with coma and bilateral fixed dilated pupils

BACKGROUND Survival of patients with severe trauma presenting with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) 3 and bilateral fixed dilated pupils is uncertain. Pre-hospital management of these patients affects the true measurement of the GCS and other factors may affect pupillary status. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who were classified GCS 3 and had bilateral fixed dilated pupils on admission to a Level 1 Adult Trauma Centre between July 2001 and March 2005. Pre-hospital assessment, hospital interventions and outcomes were determined. RESULTS Ninety-three patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion into the study. There were 6 survivors who were all less than 28 years of age, had at least one GCS score above 3 in the pre-hospital phase and were more likely to have had an evacuable mass lesion on CT brain scan and undergo craniotomy. Of the 6 surviving patients, none had significant thoracoabdominal injuries. Four of the survivors had Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) of 4 or 5. Time to hospital, mechanism of injury and pre-hospital haemodynamic parameters had no significant effect on survival. Of the 57 patients who were GCS 3 at the scene of the accident, post-basic resuscitation and on admission, none survived. CONCLUSION Pre-hospital GCS scores, prior to the effects of intubation, sedation and paralysis should be given more attention when assessing prognosis in patients who are GCS 3 on admission. Trauma patients with GCS 3 persisting from the scene with bilaterally fixed dilated pupils have no appreciable chance of survival. Further interventions such as ICU admission and surgery may not be warranted. Physicians may need to consider stopping treatment and discussing organ donation.

Os odontoideum: report of three cases.

Os odontoideum is a condition in which a smoothly corticated ossicle exists dorsal to the anterior arch of C1, taking the place of the rostral dens, but with no bony connection to the body of the axis. Three patients presented with this condition: the first with Lhermittes phenomenon 10 years after significant trauma, the second as an incidental finding during routine cervical spine imaging following a road traffic accident, and the third with recurrent transient quadriparesis precipitated by falls from a surfboard. Patients had at least 10 mm of sagittal instability on dynamic imaging and the second patient had a minimum sagittal canal diameter of only 11.5 mm. Posterior atlanto-axial fixation was successfully achieved in all cases using polyaxial screws and rods with the assistance of computed tomography-based image guidance. Image guidance provided an invaluable aid to preoperative planning and intraoperative placement of the posterior spinal instrumentation.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2: a prospective study of complications

OBJECT The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is controversial regarding the reported complication rates and cost. The authors aimed to assess the complication rates of performing ALIF using rhBMP-2. METHODS This is a prospective study of consecutive patients who underwent ALIF performed by a single spine surgeon and a single vascular surgeon between 2009 and 2012. All patients underwent placement of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage filled with rhBMP-2 and a separate anterior titanium plate. Preoperative clinical data, operative details, postoperative complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded for all patients. Clinical outcome measures included back and leg pain visual analog scale scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS) scores. Radiographic assessment of fusion was performed using high-definition CT scanning. Male patients were screened pre- and postoperatively regarding sexual dysfunction, specifically retrograde ejaculation (RE). RESULTS The study comprised 131 patients with a mean age of 45.3 years. There were 67 men (51.1%) and 64 women (48.9%). Of the 131 patients, 117 (89.3%) underwent ALIF at L5-S1, 9 (6.9%) at L4-5, and 5 (3.8%) at both L4-5 and L5-S1. The overall complication rate was 19.1% (25 of 131), with 17 patients (13.0%) experiencing minor complications and 8 (6.1%) experiencing major complications. The mean estimated blood loss per ALIF level was 115 ml. There was 1 incidence (1.5%) of RE. No significant vascular injuries occurred. No prosthesis failure occurred with the PEEK cage and separate anterior screw-plate. Back and leg pain improved 57.2% and 61.8%, respectively. The ODI improved 54.3%, with PCS and MCS scores improving 41.7% and 21.3%, respectively. Solid interbody fusion was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a vascular access surgeon and spine surgeon, using a separate cage and anterior screw-plate, provides a very robust and reliable construct with low complication rates, high fusion rates, and positive clinical outcomes, and it is cost-effective. The authors did not experience the high rates of RE reported by other authors using rhBMP-2.