Journal of Osteoporosis and Physical Activity
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
Peng-Yuan Chang, Wen-Cheng Huang, Jau-Ching Wu, Tsung-Hsi Tu, Li-Yu Fay and Henrich Cheng
Study background: To describe a novel technique, using the Universal Clamp (Zimmer Spine, Bordeaux France), for short-segment fixation in patients with severe osteoporosis and vertebral body fracture.
Methods: Consecutive patients with one-level osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) that underwent short-segment (one-level above and one-level below) fusion surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Both radiographic and clinical evaluations were analyzed, and compared pre- and post-operation. Step-wise surgical techniques are described in detail.
Results: Five patients, including one male and four females, who had one level of OVF in the thoraco-lumbar spine were enrolled. The mean age was 67.6 ± 4.1 years, and the average preoperative T-score was -2.2 ± 1.5. The average follow-up was 10.6 months. Post-operatively, all patients had significant clinical improvement after the operation. Also, the mean Cobb’s angle (6.2 ± 4.3 degrees) was significantly improved compared to pre-operation (13.6 ± 8.1, p= 0.039). Furthermore, there were no complications, implant failures (i.e. screw loosening, pullout, breakage, or dislodgement), or loss of deformity correction.
Conclusion: Using the Universal Clamp to reinforce the short-segment pedicle screw fixation is a viable alternative for patients with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture. Successful restoration of spinal alignment and symptoms relief can be achieved. However, more long-term evaluations and a larger number of patients are required to corroborate this option.