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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

Published in:

01-10-2013 | Original Article

Reduced loosening rate and loss of correction following posterior stabilization with or without PMMA augmentation of pedicle screws in vertebral fractures in the elderly

Authors: A. El Saman, S. Meier, A. Sander, A. Kelm, I. Marzi, H. Laurer

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Background

Therapy of vertebral fractures in the elderly is a growing challenge for surgeons. Within the last two decades, the use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures has been widely established. Besides vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, the augmentation of pedicle screws with PMMA found widespread use to strengthen the implant–bone interface. Several studies showed an enhanced pullout strength of augmented screws compared to standard pedicle screws in osteoporotic bone models. To validate the clinical relevance, we analyzed postoperative radiologic follow-up data in regard to secondary loss of correction and loosening of pedicle screws in elderly patients.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective comparative study, 24 patients admitted to our level I trauma center were analyzed concerning screw loosening and secondary loss of correction following vertebral fracture and posterior instrumentation. Loss of correction was determined by the bisegmental Cobb angle and kyphosis angle of the fractured vertebra. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans were used to analyze the prevalence of clear zones around the pedicle screws as a sign of loosening.

Results

In 15 patients (mean age 76 ± 9.3 years) with 117 PMMA-augmented pedicle screws, 4.3 % of screws showed signs of loosening, whereas in nine patients (mean age 75 ± 8.2 years) with 86 uncemented screws, the loosening rate was 62.8 %. Thus, PMMA-augmented pedicle screws showed a significantly lower loosening rate compared to regular pedicle screws. Loss of correction was minimal, despite poor bone quality. There was significantly less loss of correction in patients with augmented pedicle screws (1.1° ± 0.8°) as compared to patients without augmentation (5° ± 3.8°).

Conclusion

The reinforcement of pedicle screws using PMMA augmentation may be a viable option in the surgical treatment of spinal fractures in the elderly.

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Title: Reduced loosening rate and loss of correction following posterior stabilization with or without PMMA augmentation of pedicle screws in vertebral fractures in the elderly
Authors: A. El Saman
S. Meier
A. Sander
A. Kelm
I. Marzi
H. Laurer
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-013-0310-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Reduced loosening rate and loss of correction following posterior stabilization with or without PMMA augmentation of pedicle screws in vertebral fractures in the elderly

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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