Andrew Nataraj1, Andrew S Jack1, Ihsan Ihsanullah2, Shawn Nomani3, Frank Kortbeek4, Richard Fox1. 1. Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. 4. Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether surgery or nonoperative treatment has better clinical outcomes in neurologically intact patients with an intermediate severity thoracolumbar burst fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Optimal management, whether initial operative or nonoperative treatment, for thoracolumbar injury classification score (TLICS) 4 burst fractures remains controversial. Better insight into the treatment which affords patients a better clinical outcome could significantly affect patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive cases of TLICS 4 burst fracture patients from 2007 to 2013 and minimum 6-month follow-up. Potential confounders examined included age, sex, injury severity score, initial kyphotic angle, injured facets, and interspinous widening. Outcomes were determined by standardized questionnaires [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), and back pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and analyzed using regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients with burst fractures were identified, of which 67/230 (29%) were TLICS 4 and 47/67 (70%) had completed follow-up. No difference on univariate analysis was found between nonsurgical and surgical groups in mean ODI scores (P=0.27, t test), nor mean time to return to work (P=0.10, t test).Regarding outcomes, linear regression analysis revealed no association between having surgery and ODI (P=0.29), SF-12 PCS (P=0.59), or VAS (P=0.33). Furthermore, no difference was found between groups for employed patients working versus not working (P=0.09, the Fisher test), nor in mean time to return to work (P=0.30, Cox regression). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest studies examining TLICS 4 burst fracture patients, adjusting for both clinical and radiologic confounders and reporting patient outcomes with minimum 6-month follow-up. No differences were found in outcomes between patients treated either surgically or nonsurgically. Studies focusing on early postoperative differences or cost-effectiveness might help in decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether surgery or nonoperative treatment has better clinical outcomes in neurologically intact patients with an intermediate severity thoracolumbar burst fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Optimal management, whether initial operative or nonoperative treatment, for thoracolumbar injury classification score (TLICS) 4 burst fractures remains controversial. Better insight into the treatment which affords patients a better clinical outcome could significantly affect patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive cases of TLICS 4 burst fracturepatients from 2007 to 2013 and minimum 6-month follow-up. Potential confounders examined included age, sex, injury severity score, initial kyphotic angle, injured facets, and interspinous widening. Outcomes were determined by standardized questionnaires [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), and back pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and analyzed using regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients with burst fractures were identified, of which 67/230 (29%) were TLICS 4 and 47/67 (70%) had completed follow-up. No difference on univariate analysis was found between nonsurgical and surgical groups in mean ODI scores (P=0.27, t test), nor mean time to return to work (P=0.10, t test).Regarding outcomes, linear regression analysis revealed no association between having surgery and ODI (P=0.29), SF-12 PCS (P=0.59), or VAS (P=0.33). Furthermore, no difference was found between groups for employed patients working versus not working (P=0.09, the Fisher test), nor in mean time to return to work (P=0.30, Cox regression). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest studies examining TLICS 4 burst fracturepatients, adjusting for both clinical and radiologic confounders and reporting patient outcomes with minimum 6-month follow-up. No differences were found in outcomes between patients treated either surgically or nonsurgically. Studies focusing on early postoperative differences or cost-effectiveness might help in decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
Authors: Sima Vazquez; Eris Spirollari; Christina Ng; Alexandria F Naftchi; Ankita Das; Austin Carpenter; Cameron Rawanduzy; Paul Garell; Haylen Rosberger; Ronan Gandhi; Eric Feldstein; Smit Shah; Jose F Dominguez; Simon Hanft; John K Houten; Merritt D Kinon Journal: N Am Spine Soc J Date: 2022-05-16