Objective To discuss the effectiveness of posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures using pedicle screw fixation. Methods Between May 2008 and July 2013, 52 patients of severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures were treated through posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra using pedicle screw fixation. There were 33 males and 19 females with an age of 21-56 years (mean, 37.9 years). The causes of thoracolumbar burst fractures included fall from height in 32 cases, traffic accidents in 16 cases, and others in 4 cases. The load sharing classification (LSC) score was 7-9 (mean, 7.85). The levels involved included T11 in 4 cases, T12 in 19 cases, L1 in 25 cases, and L2 in 4 cases. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade A, 4 cases of grade B, 8 cases of grade C, 11 cases of grade D, and 27 cases of grade E. The rate of spinal canal occupying was 24.2%-76.7% (mean, 47.1%). The time from injury to operation was 3-5 days (mean, 3.6 days). The effectiveness was assessed by the changes of injured vertebral Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height, and the Frankel grading at pre- and post-operation. Results The operation time was 85-127 minutes (mean, 106.5 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 90-155 mL (mean, 137.6 mL). All the incision healed at first intension. Forty-seven patients were followed up 19-27 months (mean, 23.2 months), and no incision infection, screw loosening, or other internal fixation failures was found during follow-up. The injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at immediate after operation or at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.001). There was a loss of injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at last follow-up, but no significant difference was found between at immediate after operation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The Frankel grade improved by 0-2 grades at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative grades (Z=15.980, P=0.003). Conclusion Posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures (LSC≥7) using pedicle screw fixation can correct the kyphosis deformity, restore vertebral body height, and aviod the need of anterior reconstruction.
Objective To analyze features of color Doppler ultrasonography in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Method The ultrasound images of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (51 cases) and gastrointestinal cancers (59 cases) confirmed by operation and pathology were compared and analyzed. Results The gastric stromal tumor mainly occurred at the bottom of the stomach and the body of the stomach (17 cases), the intestinal stromal tumor mainly occurred at the small intestine (24 cases). The gastric cancer mainly occurred at the gastric antrum (18 cases), the intestinal cancer all occurred at the colon (20 cases) and rectum (12 cases). Compared with the gastrointestinal cancers, the gastrointestinal cavity was not surrounded by tumor, the peripheral boundary was clear, the morphology was more regular, the internal echo was uneven, and there was no peripheral lymph node metastasis in the gastrointestinal stromal tumors, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the degree of blood flow and tumor diameter between the gastrointestinal stromal tumors and the gastrointestinal cancers (P>0.05), but the blood flow of the intestinal stromal tumor was significantly more abundant as compared with the intestinal cancer (P<0.05). Conclusion Color Doppler ultrasonography, as a simple and rapid method, has a certain diagnostic value for differentiation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and gastrointestinal cancers.