2016, Vol.23, No.4

Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.03

pISSN : 2093-4378 / eISSN : 2093-4386
https://journal.kci.go.kr/krspine

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation therapy followed by a bone cement augmentation procedure in treating and managing pain among metastatic spine tumor patients. Summary of Literature Review: As a metastatic spine tumor is unresectable, this procedure was performed. Results showed an increase in the necrosis rate, and a decrease in local recurrence and secondary vertebral stability. Materials and Methods: From March 2007 to April 2016, 26 patients who were treated with RF ablation with a bone cement augmentation procedure and the same number of patients treated with radiotherapy for metastatic spine lesions were included in this study. Pain relief and functional quality of life were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ). Results: VAS scores preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks follow-up were 7.45, 3.01, 3.78, and 2.97 in the procedure group, and 7.04, 6.65, 5.87, and 3.03 in the radiotherapy group. The procedure group had significantly better average outcomes than the radiotherapy group for pain relief at 4 weeks but showed no difference at 12 weeks. The RMQ score improved from 13.92 to 7.21 in the procedure group, and from 15.33 to 9.75 in the radiotherapy group. Two patients who had a metastatic tumor near the vertebral body posterior cortex showed cement leakage into the disc space, that is, intraforaminal and intracanal space; therefore, operations were performed (7.69% nerve injury). Conclusions: RF ablation therapy with cement augmentation in treatment of metastatic spine tumor shows effectiveness in early pain relief and brings immediate vertebral stability, helping patients return to normal life. However, it carries a risk of nerve injury due to cement leakage.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical study. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of a cortical bone trajectory pedicle screw (CBT-PS) for the treatment of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Summary of Literature Review: Pedicle screws were used for surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis to prevent instability and deformity. CTB-PS are typically inserted from the inferomedial to superolateral direction of the pedicle and have yielded satisfactory results in degenerative or osteoporotic spinal disorders. Materials and Methods: Eight patients with single segment lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis were analyzed. At first, anterior debridements and interbody fusions were perfomed with autogenous strut bone grafts, followed by posterior fixations and fusions with CBT-PS. The lordotic angles of operated levels were checked at the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-ups. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were checked at the preoperative and final follow-ups. Results: Lesion sites were found at four L3-4, three L4-5, and one L2-3. Follow-ups were held at 26.13±8.23 months. The lordotic angles at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-ups were 12.13±3.09°, 14.63±3.16°, and 12.75±3.99°, retrospectively. There were significant differences between results from the preoperative-postoperative and postoperative-final follow ups. There was no difference in the preoperative-final follow up. There was a significant difference between the VAS at the preoperative and final follow-ups (8.13±0.83 and 2.38±0.92, retrospectively). Complete bony unions of were observed at the final follow-up in all cases. Conclusions: The advantages of using a CBT-PS for lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis included the ability to minimize damage from the screw for both the posterior structure damage and the operated anterior area to prevent instability and deformity, and to achieve rigid bone union. CBT-PS is a potential surgical option for pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Study Design: A case report. Objectives: To report a rare case of intractable psoas abscess due to delayed diagnosis of colon tuberculosis. Summary of Literature Review: Most psoas abscesses occur primarily or secondarily due to infection of the vertebral body or discs; however, in rare cases, the etiology is not musculoskeletal in nature. In such cases, since diagnosis and treatment of the causal factor can be delayed, the psoas abscess may recur multiple times and eventually become difficult to treat. Materials and Methods: An 18-year-old female patient visited our institution complaining of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and right hip pain. On abdominal computed tomography (CT), a psoas abscess was observed and colon tuberculosis was suspected. She was treated with a ultrasonographically guided percutaneous drainage procedure. Considering the possibility of colon tuberculosis and related fistulae, a barium enema was performed; nonetheless, no fistula was found. After 2 months, the psoas abscess recurred, and thus incision and drainage were performed. Symptoms redeveloped 4 months after the incision and drainage; the patient was further evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging and recurrence of psoas abscess was again observed; incision and drainage were performed once again. A gross draining sinus developed on the right lower abdomen 11 months after the last procedure. On barium enema and abdominal CT scan, an enterocutaneous draining sinus was spotted at the right ascending colon, and right hemicolectomy was thus performed. Results: The psoas abscess did not recur during an 8-year follow-up period after right hemicolectomy. Conclusions: In treatment of secondary psoas abscess, diagnosis and treatment of the etiology is crucial.