ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis.MethodsBetween April 2013 and August 2016, 20 cases of thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis were treated with SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod. All the patients were females, aged 49-71 years (mean, 54.8 years). The disease duration was 6-28 months with an average of 14 months. The T value of bone density was –4.4 to –1.8 (mean, –2.8). The preoperative Cobb angle was (43.0±11.3)°. The vertebral compression fracture segment was T12 in 9 cases, L1 in 8 cases, and L2 in 3 cases. Preoperative spinal cord function was evaluated by Frankel classification; there were 5 cases of grade D and 15 cases of grade E. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication were recorded. The Cobb angle for kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were recorded beforeoperation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up, and the evaluation indicators included pain degree, daily life self-care ability, extracting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social activities, and traveling.ResultsThe operation time was 180-314 minutes (mean, 226 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 390-1 800 mL (mean, 750 mL). All the incisions healed by first intension without incision infection. Twenty patients were followed up 24-52 months, with an average of 30.9 months. During the follow-up period, no significant complication such as correction loss, nail breakage, rod breakage, pseudoarthrosis formation, or proximal and distal junctional kyphosis occurred. All patients were able to walk upright after operation, and the pain relieved significantly at 6 months after operation. Bone fusion achieved at 12 months after operation. The Frankel grade of nerve function improved from grade D to grade E at last follow-up in 5 patients with nerve damage before operation. At last follow-up, the indicator scores of ODI significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). Cobb angle significantly improved at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05) when compared with preoperative one, but there was no significant difference in the Cobb angles between 3 months after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in SVA between pre- and post-operation (P>0.05).ConclusionSRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy combined with satellite rod for thoracolumbar old osteoporotic fracture with severe kyphosis is effective in achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes, as well as maintaining correction of kyphosis.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for the release of elbow stiffness. Methods The clinical data of 16 patients with elbow stiffness treated with binocular loupe assisted mini-internal and external incisions in lateral position release between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 57 years, with a median age of 33.5 years. Etiologies included olecranon fracture in 6 cases, elbow dislocation in 4 cases, medial epicondyle fracture in 2 cases, radial head fracture in 4 cases, terrible triad of elbow joint in 2 cases, supracondylar fracture of humerus in 1 case, coronoid process fracture of ulna in 1 case, and humerus fracture in 1 case, with 5 cases presenting a combination of two etiologies. The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 months, with a median of 8 months. Preoperatively, 12 cases had concomitant ulnar nerve numbness, and 6 cases exhibited ectopic ossification. The preoperative range of motion for elbow flexion and extension was (58.63±22.30)°, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.3±1.6, and the Mayo score was 71.9±7.5. Incision lengths for both lateral and medial approaches were recorded, as well as the occurrence of complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Mayo scores, VAS scores, and elbow range of motion both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The lateral incision lengths for all patients ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm. The medial incision lengths ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 19 months and a mean of 9.2 months. At last follow-up, 1 patient reported moderate elbow joint pain, and 3 cases exhibited residual mild ulnar nerve numbness. The other patients had no complications such as new heterotopic ossification and ulnar nerve paralysis, which hindered the movement of elbow joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion was (130.44±9.75)°, the VAS score was 1.1±1.0, and the Mayo score was 99.1±3.8, which significantly improved when compared to the preoperative ones (t=−12.418, P<0.001; t=6.419, P<0.001; t=−13.330, P<0.001). ConclusionThe binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position integrated the advantages of traditional open and arthroscopic technique, which demonstrated satisfying safety and effectivity for the release of elbow contracture, but it is not indicated for patients with posterior medial heterolateral heterotopic ossification.