Short Segment Fixation in Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Fracture

Short-segment Decompression and Reconstruction for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Fractures With Neurological Deficits: Clinical and Radiological Results of Minimum 2-year Follow-up

Although long-segment posterior spinal fixation might provide more rigid fixation, the procedure increases perioperative morbidities in the elderly. The present study reviews the results of short-segment decompression and reconstruction in thoracolumbar fragile fractures.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Spinal Fractures
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: short segment fixation

Detailed Description

This study included 20 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological compromise. The participants were followed-up for a period of 40.6 (24-68) months. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to measure back pain and disability. Radiologic assessment and neurological status were also analyzed.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 20

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 60 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Twenty elderly patients (60-89 years, mean 73.2 years) with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures and neurological compromise

Description

Inclusion Criteria

• osteoporotic burst fracture at a single level of the thoracolumbar region
• dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and T-score value less than -2.5

Exclusion Criteria

• translational displacement at the fracture site (fracture-dislocation)
• loss of structural integrity within the posterior osteoligamentous complex (such as flexion-distraction ligament disruption)
• spondylolisthesis of the adjacent vertebrae
• malignancy
• chronic steroid administration
• previous spinal surgery
• prior vertebroplasty and infection

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)	Functional outcome after surgery was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)	at least 2 years

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Frankel's grade system	Frankel's grade system was used for assessment of neurologic function	at least 2 years
Local kyphosis and vertebral wedge angle were measured as radiologic assessment (units of measure: degree)	Digital radiographs of the vertebral bodies were reviewed using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS).	at least 2 years
anterior vertebral height	Measurements of the anterior vertebral height (AVH) ratio (% of normal)	at least 2 years

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Cheng-Kung University Hospital

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: November 1, 2010
• Primary Completion (Actual): October 1, 2011
• Study Completion (Actual): December 1, 2012

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 18, 2016
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 21, 2016
• First Posted (Estimate): March 25, 2016

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): March 25, 2016
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 21, 2016
• Last Verified: March 1, 2016

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Wounds and Injuries; Spinal Injuries; Back Injuries; Fractures, Bone; Spinal Fractures; Osteoporotic Fractures
• Other Study ID Numbers: SSF-TLF-103

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO