Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach to thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Aims: A retrospective analysis of patients with thoracolumbar junction fractures who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via a minimally invasive approach (minithoracotomy) for reconstruction of the anterior spinal column.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2014, a total of 176 patients were treated by this technique. The patients received either posterior stabilization and, at the second stage, the minimally invasive technique via an anterior approach, or the minimally invasive anterior procedure alone.

[Mid-term radiographic results in Th12 and L1 fractures after anterior column reconstruction with tibial shaft bone allograft].

Purpose Of The Study: Frozen tibial shaft bone allografts filled with autologous cancellous bone chips were used for anterior column reconstruction in Th12 and L1 fractures. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the five-year results of the treatment on the basis of radiographic findings.

Material And Methods: Twenty-six patients treated in 2005 and 2006 for isolated Th12 or L1 fractures, with no neurological deficit, were evaluated.

[Are malleolar fractures easy to treat?].

Malleolar fractures rank among the most frequent skeletal injuries. The majority of orthopaedic and trauma surgeons incline to surgical therapy with anatomical reposition and retention going for absolute stability. Recommended surgical techniques with screws, plates or tension-band wiring usually presents no problems for surgeons.

[Injection of anaesthetic-corticosteroid to relieve sacroiliac joint pain after lumbar stabilisation].

Purpose Of The Study: Both the range of motion and load transfer of the sacroiliac (SI) joint improve considerably after lumbar spine surgery. When, following surgery, SI joint pain develops in spite of appropriate physical therapy, injection of an anaesthetic with added corticosteroid into the SI joint is a first choice treatment. The aim of this presentation is to provide information on our experience with this therapy.

[A comparative analysis of Socon CS and Socon pedicle screws in view of their use for treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the thoracolumbal spine--a biomechanical study].

Purpose Of The Study: To compare the anchorage strength of Socon CS cannulated pedicle screws (B. Braun, Aesculap) with that of Socon screws in human cadaver vertebrae, using pull-out strength testing.

Material: Twelve samples involving T12 to L3 vertebrae were prepared and a total of 20 pedicle screws, 10 Socon CS and 10 Socon screws, were inserted in them.