Percutaneous cement-augmented screws fixation in the fractures of the aging spine: is it the solution?
BACKGROUND
Management of elderly patients with thoracolumbar fractures is still challenging due to frequent osteoporosis and risk of screws pull-out. The aim of this study was to evaluate results of a percutaneous-only procedure to treat these fragile patients using cement-augmented screws.


METHODS
12 patients diagnosed with a thoracolumbar fracture associated with an important loss of bone stock were included in this prospective study. Surgical procedure included systematically a percutaneous osteosynthesis using cemented fenestrated screws. When necessary, additional anterior support was performed using a kyphoplasty procedure. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed using CT scan.


RESULTS
On the whole series, 15 fractures were diagnosed and 96 cemented screws were inserted. The difference between the pre- and postoperative vertebral kyphosis was statistically significant (12.9° versus 4.4°, P = 0.0006). No extrapedicular screw was reported and one patient was diagnosed with a cement-related pulmonary embolism. During follow-up period, no infectious complications, implant failures, or pull-out screws were noticed.


CONCLUSIONS
Aging spine is becoming an increasing public health issue. Management of these patients requires specific attention due to the augmented risk of complications. Using percutaneous-only screws fixation with cemented screw provides satisfactory results. A rigorous technique is mandatory in order to achieve best outcomes.
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Sébastien
S
Pesenti
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Benjamin
0000-0001-8896-5277
B
Blondel
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Emilie
E
Peltier
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Tarek
T
Adetchessi
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Henry
H
Dufour
Spine Division, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France ; Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
Stéphane
S
Fuentes
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001843:Bone Cements