title: Outcomes of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for spinal trauma and tumours.
abstract: We investigated the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the management of spinal trauma and metastatic tumours. A retrospective analysis was performed on a series of 14 patients who were operated on from March 2009 to November 2011 by a single surgeon (RJM). Following a radiological review (CT scan/MRI), six patients underwent short segment fixation, while the remaining underwent long segment fixation. All patients had routine follow-ups at 4, 6, 12months, and annually thereafter. Clinical examinations were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively, and the length of operation, blood loss, and postoperative pain relief were recorded. There was a single patient with an incision site complication. The mean blood loss was 269mL. All of the parameters demonstrated no significant differences between the trauma and the tumour groups (p=0.10). The neurological power scores improved for all patients, with the largest increase being from a score of 2 to 4. At follow-up, the majority of patients had returned to their previous activities and had reduced pain scores. One patient suffered high pain levels from other medical conditions that were not related to the operation. Minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation is a suitable option for patients with spinal tumours and fractures, with acceptable safety and efficacy in this small retrospective patient series. We have seen favourable results in our patients, who have experienced an increased quality of life following their surgery.
authors.affiliation: NeuroSpineClinic, Suite 7, Level 7, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: ralphmobbs@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mobbs
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Monish
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maharaj
authors.affiliation: NeuroSpineClinic, Suite 7, Level 7, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Phan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065289:Pedicle Screws / Q000639:trends*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Minimally invasive; Outcomes; Percutaneous pedicle screw; Spinal trauma; Spinal tumour