[Titanium vertebral body replacement of adjustable size. A prospective clinical trial].
OBJECTIVE
The reconstruction of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine is still controversial.


METHODS
The clinical notes and radiographs of 50 consecutive patients (29 M, 21 F, 43 years) treated with the Synex implant were reviewed at operation and at 12 and 20 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
Of 45 patients, 25 returned to pre-injury activities within 1 year and 29 of 39 within 20 months. Two-thirds of the patients who were followed up returned to their job. After 1 year 25 of 45 patients had no or mild limitations in their back function. Six months later this group decreased to 6 of 39 patients. Visual analog scale (VAS) decreased from 87/100 preoperatively to 65/100 at the 1-year follow-up. The average permanent reduction of the injured vertebrae was 16.9 degrees including 2.3 degrees loss of correction.


CONCLUSIONS
After reconstruction of the anterior column with the Synex implant only a minimal loss of correction or reduction was observed. The clinical outcome after use of the Synex implant appears promising. We recommend this implant as a valuable alternative for reconstruction of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine. However, long-term results are still required.
Lange
U
U
Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover. lange.uta@mh-hannover.de
Edeling
S
S
Knop
C
C
Bastian
L
L
Krettek
C
C
Blauth
M
M
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018786:Bone Substitutes; D014025:Titanium