Jon Park

Biomechanical comparison of single-level posterior versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions with bilateral pedicle screw fixation: segmental stability and the effects on adjacent motion segments

OBJECT Both posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) have been frequently undertaken for lumbar arthrodesis. These procedures use different approaches and cage designs, each of which could affect spine stability, even after the addition of posterior pedicle screw fixation. The objectives of this biomechanical study were to compare PLIF and TLIF, each accompanied by bilateral pedicle screw fixation, with regard to the stability of the fused and adjacent segments. METHODS Fourteen human L2-S2 cadaveric spine specimens were tested for 6 different modes of motion: flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left axial rotation using a load control protocol (LCP). The LCP for each mode of motion utilized moments up to 8.0 Nm at a rate of 0.5 Nm/second with the application of a constant compression follower preload of 400 N. All 14 specimens were tested in the intact state. The specimens were then divided equally into PLIF and TLIF conditions. In the PLIF Group, a bilateral L4-5 partial facetectomy was followed by discectomy and a single-level fusion procedure. In the TLIF Group, a unilateral L4-5 complete facetectomy was performed (and followed by the discectomy and single-level fusion procedure). In the TLIF Group, the implants were initially positioned inside the disc space posteriorly (TLIF-P) and the specimens were tested; the implants were then positioned anteriorly (TLIF-A) and the specimens were retested. All specimens were evaluated at the reconstructed and adjacent segments for range of motion (ROM) and at the adjacent segments for intradiscal pressure (IDP), and laminar strain. RESULTS At the reconstructed segment, both the PLIF and the TLIF specimens had significantly lower ROMs compared with those for the intact state (p < 0.05). For lateral bending, the PLIF resulted in a marked decrease in ROM that was statistically significantly greater than that found after TLIF (p < 0.05). In flexion-extension and rotation, the PLIF Group also had less ROM, however, unlike the difference in lateral bending ROM, these differences in ROM values were not statistically significant. Variations in the position of the implants within the disc space were not associated with any significant differences in ROM values (p = 0.43). Analyses of ROM at the adjacent levels L2-3, L3-4, and L5-S1 showed that ROM was increased to some degree in all directions. When compared with that of intact specimens, the ROMs were increased to a statistically significant degree at all adjacent segments in flexion-extension loads (p < 0.05); however, the differences in values among the various operative procedures were not statistically significant. The IDP and facet contact force for the adjacent L3-4 and L5-S1 levels were also increased, but these values were not statistically significantly increased from those for the intact spine (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Regarding stability, PLIF provides a higher immediate stability compared with that of TLIF, especially in lateral bending. Based on our findings, however, PLIF and TLIF, each with posterolateral fusions, have similar biomechanical properties regarding ROM, IDP, and laminar strain at the adjacent segments.

Biomechanical evaluations of various c1-c2 posterior fixation techniques.

Study Design. A biomechanical in vitro study using human cadaveric spine. Objective. To compare the biomechanical stability of pedicle screws versus various established posterior atlantoaxial fixations used to manage atlantoaxial instability. Summary of Background Data. Rigid screw fixation of the atlantoaxial complex provides immediate stability and excellent fusion success though has a high risk of neurovascular complications. Some spine surgeons thus insert shorter C2 pedicle or pars/isthmus screws as alternatives to minimize the latter risks. The biomechanical consequences of short pedicle screw fixation remain unclear, however. Methods. Seven human cadaveric cervical spines with the occiput attached (C0-C3) had neutral zone (NZ) and range of motion (ROM) evaluated in three modes of loading. Specimens were tested in the following sequence: initially (1) the intact specimens were tested, after destabilization of C1-C2, then the specimens underwent (2) C1 lateral mass and C2 short pedicle screw fixation (PS-S), (3) C1 lateral mass and C2 long pedicle screw fixation (PS-L), (4) C1 lateral mass and C2 intralaminar screw fixation (ILS), (5) Sonntags modified Gallie fixation (MG) and (6) C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation with posterior wiring (TAS + MG). (7) The destabilized spine was also tested. Results. All instrumented groups were significantly stiffer in NZ and ROM than the intact spines, except in lateral bending, which was statistically significantly increased in the TAS + MG group. The MG groups NZ and ROM values were statistically significantly weaker than those of the PS-S, PS-L, and the ROM values of the TAS + MG groups. The ILS groups NZ values were higher than those of the TAS + MG group and for ROM, than that of the PS-S and PS-L groups. In flexion, the NZ and ROM values of the TAS + MG group were significantly less than those of the PS-S, PS-L, ILS, and MG groups. In axial rotation, the NZ and ROM values of the MG group were statistically significantly higher than those of the PS-S, PS-L, ISL and TAS + MG groups. Conclusion. The TAS + MG procedures provided the highest stability. The MG method alone may not be adequate for atlantoaxial arthrodesis, because it does not provide sufficient stability in lateral bending and rotation modes. The C2 pedicle screw and C2 ILS techniques are biomechanically less stable than the TAS + MG. In the C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screw fixation, the use of a short pedicle screw may be an alternative when other screw fixation techniques are not feasible.

Biomechanical analysis of the range of motion after placement of a two-level cervical ProDisc-C versus hybrid construct.

Study Design. The study design was that of an in vitro human cadaveric biomechanical analysis. Objectives. The objective of this study was the biomechanical analysis of the range of motion (ROM) of a 2-level intact spine control versus total, then operative- and adjacent-segment ROM after (1) 2-level ProDisc-C placement (PP), (2) anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDFs), and (3) hybrid constructs of both. Follower load and multidirectional testing were performed in each instance. Summary of Background Data. With in vivo cervical arthroplasties gaining in popularity, limited biomechanical data are available, which highlight changes in the adjacent-level biomechanics after multilevel procedures. Methods. Biomechanical testing for ROM was performed using 7 cadaveric C4–T1 spine specimens. Moments up to 2 Nm with a 100 N follower load were applied in flexion/extension (F/E), right and left lateral bending (LB), and right and left axial rotation (AR). Specimens were tested in the intact state and then with a combination of ProDisc-C arthroplasty and ACDF at C5–C6 and C6–C7. Results. In the 2-level PP group, the increase in ROM in F/E, LB, and AR of C4–T1 occurs due to an increased ROM at the operative level. The ROM of the level adjacent to the operative levels showed no significant change, except at C4–C5 in LB. For the latter level, the ROM of C4–C5 in each direction showed increases for each parameter. In the 2-level fusion C5–C6 and C6–C7 fusion (FF) group, the ROM in F/E, LB, and AR of C4–T1 was decreased because of a decrease in ROM primarily at the fused levels, and the ROM of adjacent levels was increased. In the ProDisc-C/Fusion (PF) and Fusion/ProDisc-C (FP) groups undergoing placements of a 1-level ProDisc-C/1-level fusion with cage and plate, both groups showed no significant ROM change of C4–T1 when compared with the control and no significant change at adjacent levels, with the exception of C4–C5 in LB. Conclusion. (1) Two-level ACDFs decrease whereas 2-level PPs increase the entire C4–T1 ROM. (2) ACDF/ProDisc-C hybrid operations do not alter the C4–T1 ROM. (3) For the ACDF/ProDisc-C hybrid operative groups, the combined ROM of the operative levels showed no significant difference when compared with that of the intact spine. (4) Regarding adjacent-level ROM, a 2-level ACDF increases ROM, but 2-level ProDisc-C and hybrid ACDF/PPs do not show significant change except for LB at C4–C5. (5) When the segmental distribution of C4–T1 ROM is plotted as the percentage of total motion, it demonstrates that for PF and FP groups, the combined ROM of the C5–C6 and C6–C7 operative levels are similar to that of the intact spine in EF and LB. For the PP group, the combined ROM of the operative levels increased, whereas the combined ROM for the FF group is decreased. The decrease or increase of the adjacent C4–C5 or C7–T1 level ROM compensates for the operative levels.

Charlson score is a robust predictor of 30-day complications following spinal metastasis surgery.

Study Design. Retrospective chart review. Objective. To identify predictors of 30-day complications after the surgical treatment of spinal metastasis. Summary of Background Data. Surgical treatment of spinal metastasis is considered palliative with the aim of reducing or delaying neurologic deficit. Postoperative complication rates as high as 39% have been reported in the literature. Complications may impact patient quality of life and increase costs; therefore, an understanding of which preoperative variables best predict 30-day complications will help risk-stratify patients and guide therapeutic decision making and informed consent. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 200 cases of spinal metastasis surgically treated at Stanford Hospital between 1999 and 2009. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine which preoperative variables were independent predictors of 30-day complications. Results. Sixty-eight patients (34%) experienced one or more complications within 30 days of surgery. The most common complications were respiratory failure, venous thromboembolism, and pneumonia. On multivariate analysis, Charlson Comorbidity Index score was the most significant predictor of 30-day complications. Patients with a Charlson score of two or greater had over five times the odds of a 30-day complication as patients with a score of zero or one. Conclusion. After adjusting for demographic, oncologic, neurologic, operative, and health factors, Charlson score was the most robust predictor of 30-day complications. A Charlson score of two or greater should be considered a surgical risk factor for 30-day complications, and should be used to risk-stratify surgical candidates. If complications are anticipated, medical staff can prepare in advance, for instance, scheduling aggressive ICU care to monitor for and treat complications. Finally, Charlson score should be controlled for in future spinal metastasis outcomes studies and compared to other comorbidity assessment tools.

Imaging correlation of the degree of degenerative L4–5 spondylolisthesis with the corresponding amount of facet fluid

OBJECT The aim of this study was to correlate the degree of L4-5 spondylolisthesis on plain flexion-extension radiographs with the corresponding amount of L4-5 facet fluid visible on MR images. METHODS Patients underwent evaluation at the Neurosurgical Spine Clinics of Stanford University Medical Center and National Health Insurance Medical Center (Goyang, South Korea) between January 2006 and December 2007. Only patients who were diagnosed with L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and who had both lumbosacral flexion-extension radiographs and MR images available for review were eligible for this study. Each patients dynamic motion index (DMI) was measured using the lateral lumbosacral plain radiograph and was the percentage of the degree of anterior slippage seen on flexion versus that seen on extension. Axial T2-weighted MR images of the L4-5 facet joints obtained in each patient was analyzed for the amount of facet fluid, using the image showing the widest portion of the facets. The facet fluid index was calculated from the ratio of the sum of the amounts of facet fluid found in the right plus left facets over the sum of the average widths of the right plus left facet joints. RESULTS Fifty-four patients with L4-5 DS were included in this study. Of these 54 patients, facet fluid was noted on MR images in 29 patients (53.7%), and their mean DMI was 6.349 +/- 2.726. Patients who did not have facet fluid on MR imaging had a mean DMI of 1.542 +/- 0.820; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was a positive linear association between the facet fluid index and the DMI in the group of patients who exhibited facet fluid on MR images (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.560, p < 0.01). In the subgroup of 29 patients with L4-5 DS who showed facet fluid on MR images, flexion-extension plain radiographs in 10 (34.5%) showed marked anterolisthesis, while the corresponding MR images did not. CONCLUSIONS There is a linear correlation between the degree of segmental motion seen on flexion-extension plain radiography in patients with DS at L4-5 and the amount of L4-5 facet fluid on MR images. If L4-5 facet fluid in patients with DS is seen on MR images, a corresponding anterolisthesis on weight-bearing flexion-extension lateral radiographs should be anticipated. Obtaining plain radiographs will aid in the diagnosis of anterolisthesis caused by an L4-5 hypermobile segment, which may not always be evident on MR images obtained in supine patients.

Biomechanical analysis of Goel technique for C1-2 fusion.

OBJECT The Goel technique, in which C1-2 intraarticular spacers are used, may be performed to restore stability to a disrupted atlantoaxial complex in conjunction with the Harms technique of placing polyaxial screws and bilateral rods. However, it has yet to be determined biomechanically whether the addition of the C1-2 joint spacers increases the multiaxial rigidity of the fixation construct. The goal of this study was to quantify changes in multiaxial rigidity of the combined Goel-Harms technique with the addition of C1-2 intraarticular spacers. METHODS Seven cadaveric cervical spines (occiput-C2) were submitted to nondestructive flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation tests in a material testing machine spine tester. The authors applied 1.5 Nm at a rate of 0.1 Nm/second and held it constant for 10 seconds. The specimens were loaded 3 times, and data were collected on the third cycle. Testing of the specimens was performed for the following groups: 1) intact (I); 2) with the addition of C-1 lateral mass/C-2 pedicle screws and rod system (I+SR); 3) with C1-2 joint capsule incision, decortication (2 mm on top and bottom of each joint [that is, the C-1 and C-2 surface) and addition of bilateral C1-2 intraarticular spacers at C1-2 junction to the screws and rods (I+SR+C); 4) after removal of the posterior rods and only the bilateral spacers in place (I+C); 5) after removal of spacers and further destabilization with simulated odontoidectomy for a completely destabilized case (D); 6) with addition of posterior rods to the destabilized case (D+SR); and 7) with addition of bilateral C1-2 intraarticular spacers at C1-2 junction to the destabilized case (D+SR+C). The motion of C-1 was measured by a 3D motion tracking system and the motion of C-2 was measured by the rotational sensor of the testing system. The range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) across C-1 and C-2 were evaluated. RESULTS For the intact spine test groups, the addition of screws/rods (I+SR) and screws/rods/cages (I+SR+C) significantly reduced ROM and NZ compared with the intact spine (I) for flexion-extension and axial rotation (p < 0.05) but not lateral bending (p > 0.05). The 2 groups were not significantly different from each other in any bending mode for ROM and NZ, but in the destabilized condition the addition of screws/rods (D+SR) and screws/rods/cages (D+SR+C) significantly reduced ROM and NZ compared with the destabilized spine (D) in all bending modes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of the C1-2 intraarticular spacers (D+SR+C) significantly reduced ROM (flexion-extension and axial rotation) and NZ (lateral bending) compared with the screws and rods alone (D+SR). CONCLUSIONS Study result indicated that both the Goel and Harms techniques alone and with the addition of the C1-2 intraarticular spacers to the Goel-Harms technique are advantageous for stabilizing the atlantoaxial segment. The Goel technique combined with placement of a screw/rod construct appears to result in additional construct rigidity beyond the screw/rod technique and appears to be more useful in very unstable cases.

Biomechanical Analysis of Disc Pressure and Facet Contact Force After Simulated Two-Level Cervical Surgeries (Fusion and Arthroplasty) and Hybrid Surgery

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was designed to compare 2-level cervical disc surgery (2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion [ACDF] or disc arthroplasty) and hybrid surgery (ACDF/arthroplasty) in terms of postoperative adjacent-level intradiscal pressure (IDP) and facet contact force (FCF). METHODS Twenty-four cadaveric cervical spines (C3-T2) were tested in various modes, including extension, flexion, and bilateral axial rotation, to compare adjacent-level IDP and FCF after specified treatments as follows: 1) C5-C6 arthroplasty using ProDisc-C (Synthes Spine, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA) and C6-C7 ACDF, 2) C5-C6 ACDF and C6-C7 arthroplasty using ProDisc-C, 3) 2-level C5-C6/C6-C7 disc arthroplasties, and 4) 2-level C5-C6/C6-C7 ACDF. IDPs were recorded at anterior, central, and posterior disc portions. RESULTS After 2-level cervical arthrodesis (ACDF), IDP increased significantly at the anterior annulus of distal adjacent-level disc during flexion and axial rotation and at the center of proximal adjacent-level disc during flexion. In contrast, after cervical specified treatments, including disc arthroplasty (2-level disc arthroplasties and hybrid surgery), IDP decreased significantly at the anterior annulus of distal adjacent-level disc during flexion and extension and was unchanged at the center of proximal adjacent-level disc during flexion. Two-level cervical arthrodesis also tended to adversely impact facet loads, increasing distal rather than proximal adjacent-level FCF. CONCLUSION Both hybrid surgery and 2-level arthroplasties seem to offer significant advantages over 2-level arthrodesis by reducing IDP at adjacent levels and approximating FCF of an intact spine. These findings suggest that cervical arthroplasties and hybrid surgery are an alternative to reduce IDP and facet loads at adjacent levels.

Primary surgical management by reduction and fixation of unstable hangman's fractures with discoligamentous instability or combined fractures: clinical article.

OBJECT Several controversial issues arise in the management of unstable hangmans fractures. Some surgeons perform external reduction and immobilize the patients neck in a halo vest, while others perform surgical reduction and internal fixation. The nonsurgical treatments with rigid collar or halo vest immobilization present problems, including nonunion, pseudarthrosis, skull fracture, and scalp laceration and may also fail to achieve anatomical realignment of the local C2-3 kyphosis. With recent advances in surgical technique and technology, surgical intervention is increasingly performed as the primary treatment in high cervical fractures. The outcomes of such surgeries are often superior to those of conservative treatment. The authors propose that surgical intervention as a primary management for hangmans fracture may avoid risks inherent in conservative management when severe circumferential discoligamentous instability is present and may reduce the risk of catastrophic results at the fracture site. The purposes of this study were to assess fracture healing following expedient reduction and surgical fixation and to propose a guideline for treatment of unstable hangmans fractures. METHODS From April 2006 to December 2011, the authors treated 105 patients with high cervical fractures. This study included 23 (21.9%) of these patients (15 men and 8 women; mean age 46.4 years) with Type II, IIa, and III hangmans fractures according to the Levine and Edwards classification. The patients age, sex, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, neurological status, and complications were ascertained. The authors retrospectively assessed the clinical outcome (Neck Disability Index), radiological findings (disc height, translation, and angulation), and bony healing. RESULTS The average follow-up period was 28.9 months (range 12-63.2 months). The overall average Neck Disability Index score at the time of this study was 6.6 ± 2.3. The average duration of hospitalization was 20.3 days, and fusion was achieved in all cases by 14.8 ± 1.6 weeks after surgery, as demonstrated on dynamic radiographs and cervical 3D CT scans. The mean pretreatment translation was 6.9 ± 3.2 mm, and the mean postoperative translation was 1.6 ± 1.8 mm (mean reduction 5.2 ± 3.1 mm). The initial angulation was 4.7° ± 5.3° and the postoperative angulation was 2.5° ± 1.8° (mean reduction 6.1° ± 5.3°). The preoperative and postoperative values for translation and angulation differed significantly (p < 0.05). The overall C2-3 disc height was 6.7 ± 1.2 mm preoperatively, whereas 3 months after surgery it was 6.4 ± 1.1 mm. These values did not differ significantly (p = 0.0963). CONCLUSIONS The authors observed effective reduction and bony healing in cases of unstable hangmans fractures after fixation, and all patients experienced favorable clinical outcomes with neck pain improvement. The protocols allowed for physiological reconstruction of the fractured deformities and avoided external fixation. The authors suggest that posterior reduction and screw fixation should be used as a primary treatment to promote stability of hangmans fracture in the presence of discoligamentous instability or combined fractures.

A biomechanical study of the instrumented and adjacent lumbar levels after In-Space interspinous spacer insertion

OBJECT Interspinous process implants are becoming more common for the treatment of lumber disc degeneration. The authors undertook this study to evaluate the effect of the In-Space interspinous spacer on the biomechanics of the lumbosacral spine. METHODS Seven L2-S1 cadaver spines were physiologically loaded in extension, flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation modes. The range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral disc pressure (DP) at the level implanted with an In-Space device and at adjacent levels were measured under 4 experimental conditions. Biomechanical testing was carried out on 7 sequentially prepared specimens in the following states: 1) the intact L2-S1 cadaver spine and 2) the L2-S1 cadaver specimen implanted with an In-Space interspinous spacer at L3-4 (Group 1), 3) after an additional L3-4 discectomy (with the In-Space interspinous spacer still in place) (Group 2), and finally, 4) after removal of the In-Space interspinous spacer, leaving only the discectomized (that is, destabilized) spine model (Group 3). RESULTS The extension ROM at the implanted level after experimental conditions 2 and 3 above was statistically significantly reduced. An increase of ROM at the adjacent levels compensated for the reduction at the implanted level. However, there was no statistically significant change in ROM in any of the other modes of motion at any of the levels studied. Likewise, the DP reduction at L3-4 during extension was statistically significant, but in all other modes of motion, there was no statistically significant change in DP at any measured level. The In-Space interspinous spacer statistically significantly reduced the ROM of the L3-4 motion segment in Groups 1 and 2 (extension: 67%, p = 0.018 and 70%, p = 0.018; flexion: 72%, p = 0.028 and 80%, p = 0.027). After placement of the In-Space interspinous spacer, the DP was decreased at L3-4 in extension for Groups 1 and 2 in the posterior anular region (63%, p = 0.028; 59%, p = 0.043), Group 2 in the center region (73%, p = 0.028), and Groups 1 and 2 in the anterior anular region (57%, p = 0.018; 60%, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS The In-Space interspinous spacer both stabilizes the spine and reduces the intervertebral DP at the instrumented level during extension. The biomechanics for other modes of motion and at the adjacent levels are not affected statistically significantly, however. The device thus performed as intended. It significantly stabilized the motion segments at the instrumented level, but not at the segment adjacent to the instrumented level.

Lumbar disc rehydration postimplantation of a posterior dynamic stabilization system

Biological attempts at disc regeneration are promising; however, disc degeneration is closely related to other predisposing factors such as alteration of disc height, intradiscal pressure, load distribution, and motion. The restoration of the physiological status of the affected spinal segment is thus necessary prior to attempts at disc regeneration. Dynamic stabilization systems now offer the potential of a mechanical approach to intervertebral disc regeneration. The authors used decompression and placement of the BioFlex dynamic stabilization device to treat a young male patient with disc degeneration. This patient underwent follow-up, and he was found to gradually improve both neurologically and radiographically. On MR imaging performed 1 year postoperatively, he had an increase in disc height and disc rehydration. This case and the concept of disc rehydration are presented in this paper.