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Biomedical subjects

Christopher M Bono

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher M Bono.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Assessment of injury to the posterior ligamentous complex in thoracolumbar spine trauma.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC), consisting of supraspinous ligament (SSL), interspinous ligament (ISL), ligamentum flavum (LF), and the facet joint capsules is thought to contribute significantly to the stability of thoracolumbar spine. Currently, no consensus exists on radiographic imaging parameters that may indicate injury to the posterior ligamentous complex. PURPOSE: To identify imaging parameters that may suggest a disruption of the PLC of the thoracolumbar spine. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A survey analysis of members of the Spine Trauma Study Group. PATIENT SAMPLE: None. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Compilation of survey results. METHODS: An extensive review of the literature from 1949 to the present was performed to identify key radiographic elements that have been suggested as indicators of PLC injury. Twelve items identified as such were placed on a survey and sent to the members of the Spine Trauma Study Group. They were asked to rank the items from most important to least important, and the results were compiled for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-eight surveys were returned for final analysis. Fifty-percent (14/28) of the members ranked "vertebral body translation" on plain radiographs as the most important factor in determining disruption of PLC. Plain radiographic signs were ranked higher than computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging indicators, and history of the mechanism ranked lowest. The members were also given freedom to add other criteria that they felt were important in determining PLC integrity. "Interspinous spacing 7 mm greater than that of level above or below on antero posterior plain X-rays" was the only new category that was suggested. CONCLUSION: Plain radiographic findings were felt to be most helpful in determining PLC injury by the members of the Spine Trauma Study Group. Physical examination findings and history of the mechanism of injury were ranked lower than imaging studies. Future analysis should focus on indicators of PLC injury when plain radiographic findings are either subtle or not present.

Consensus↗
PubMed2006

Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of maximum canal compromise and spinal cord compression for evaluation of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded validation study of an objective, quantitative measure to assess maximum canal compromise (MCC) and maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) in individuals with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE: To examine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of MCC and MSCC in individuals with acute traumatic cervical SCI. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To date, few quantitative reliable radiologic methods for assessing the extent of spinal cord compression in the setting of acute SCI have been reported. MCC and MSCC, as assessed on mid-sagittal CT and T2-weighted MR images, respectively, appear to have potential clinical and prognostic value. To date, the validation of these assessment tools has been limited to a small number of observers at a single institution. However, to date no study has focused on the reliability of these radiologic parameters among a large cohort of spine surgeons from North America and abroad. This type of validation is critical to allow the broader use of these outcome measures in research studies and in clinical practice. METHODS: Mid-sagittal MRI and CT images of cervical spine were selected from 10 individuals with acute traumatic cervical SCI. A total of 28 spine surgeons independently estimated CT MCC, T1-weighted MRI MCC, and T2-weighted MRI MSCC on two occasions using a calibrated ruler. In the first round of measurements, the observers estimated the radiologic parameters using only written instructions. The second measurement set was obtained after an interactive teaching session on the methodology. The order of the images was altered for the second set of measurements. RESULTS: Analysis using parametric and nonparametric statistics indicated high intraobserver reliability for CT MCC, T1-weighted MRI MCC, and T2-weighted MSCC with interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.92, 0.95, and 0.97, respectively. The interobserver reliability for all three radiologic parameters was considered moderate with ICCs ranging from 0.35 to 0.56. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the intraobserver reliability for the MCC and MSCC was high. Although the interobserver reliability for all three radiologic parameters in the present study was below 0.75, the observed differences were small and largely accounted for by the limitations in the precision of the calibrated ruler. For cases with minimal cord compression, the measurement of canal stenosis (MCC) proved more accurate. In contrast, in cases with severe cord compression, the assessment of MSCC was more accurate. It is anticipated that the use of digital imaging technologies will further enhance the precision of these outcome measures.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Paraspinal muscle vasculature contributes to posterolateral spinal fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Study of posterolateral fusions in a rabbit model. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the contribution of paraspinal musculature to the healing of posterolateral spinal fusions in a rabbit model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have demonstrated that successful spinal arthrodesis requires vascular ingrowth from adjacent decorticated bone. In other areas of the body, such as the tibia, vascular ingrowth from the surrounding musculature has also been shown to be important. The role of the surrounding paraspinal musculature in spinal fusions has yet to be assessed. METHODS: Twenty-five New Zealand white rabbits underwent posterolateral spinal fusion. One side of the animals was treated with autograft alone and served as the control group. On the contralateral side, the autograft was contained within porous or nonporous barrier sheets. Following euthanization, high-resolution radiographs, CT scans, and histologic analyses were performed to assess fusion and characterize vascular ingrowth. RESULTS: Using histologic evaluation, the fusion rate in the porous group was 90%, in the nonporous group 40%, and in the control group 55%. Vascular ingrowth was evident from the muscle through the porous sheet into the fusion mass. CONCLUSIONS: These results support our hypothesis that the paraspinal musculature provides important vascular ingrowth into the fusion site. Use of a porous barrier sheet appears to improve fusion by preventing muscle interposition while allowing vascular ingrowth from surrounding muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Measurement techniques for lower cervical spine injuries: consensus statement of the Spine Trauma Study Group.

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: It was the purpose of the Spine Trauma Study Group to compile a collection of clinically useful imaging methods used in lower cervical spine trauma and to describe in detail how these measurements should be made. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Injury detection, description, and treatment decision-making rely on accurate imaging of the lower cervical spine. However, a standard set of imaging measurement techniques for this region does not exist. While most clinicians have developed their own methods of describing radiographic pathology, this variability often leads to confusion in developing an agreed on classification system and limits treatment recommendations. METHODS: The available literature concerning measurement of injury characteristics after lower cervical trauma was reviewed. Consensus of the most potentially useful measurement methods among the surgeon members of the Spine Trauma Study Group was achieved. RESULTS: These measurements included the following: kyphosis (Cobb angle and posterior vertebral body tangent methods); vertebral body translation; vertebral body height loss; maximal spinal canal compromise and spinal cord compression; facet fracture fragment size; and percentage facet subluxation. CONCLUSIONS: A consistent and standard measurement technique among clinicians with regards to imaging of lower cervical spine trauma should positively influence treatment outcome. However, it is through prospective study that the clinical significance of these recommendations will be scientifically established.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed2006

Common errors in the design of orthopaedic studies.

There are several issues that one has to take into consideration in order to avoid potential pitfalls in the design of orthopaedic studies. This article highlights how to avoid common errors and how to continue the drive towards the unattainable, but laudable, goal of perfection.

Bias↗
PubMed2006

Complication avoidance: thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures.

Most thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures can be treated conservatively. Unstable fractures or fractures resulting in neurologic deficits usually require surgical treatment. Choosing an appropriate surgical approach requires a thorough understanding of the various techniques for decompression, fusion, and stabilization. Surgical options include an anterior approach, a posterior approach, or a combined anteroposterior approach. Each surgical option has unique advantages and disadvantages. Generally, the anterior approaches are best used at the thoracolumbar junction, posterior approaches are ideal for low lumbar injuries and lumbar injuries that result in complete spinal cord injuries,and anteroposterior surgeries typically are reserved for highly unstable fracture subluxations. Case illustrations show the various treatment options.

Decompression, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Spectrum of spine infections in patients with HIV: a case report and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Because of the increase in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, practitioners are likely to see a concordant increase of infections. Spontaneous spinal infections can result from a variety of organisms. A common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most frequent cause of pyogenic spinal infection in patients who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus. Human immunodeficiency virus has caused a resurgence of spinal tuberculosis and other infections. The pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus has caused a rise in extremely rare spinal infections caused by fungus, virus, and atypical bacteria that usually are nonpathogenic. As the number of elective and emergent spinal surgeries become more frequent, spinal practitioners also must become more familiar with the particularities of preoperative and perioperative decision making. Patients' CD4 cell counts are a useful preoperative parameter to stratify the risk for postoperative wound infection because counts less than 200/mm3 seem to be a critical threshold. A case of a patient with the human immunodeficiency virus is presented. The patient had a chronic, postoperative infection and posttraumatic post-laminectomy kyphosis; he was successfully treated with staged procedures including debridement, deformity correction, stabilization, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V (expert opinion). Please see the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed2006

Validating a newly proposed classification system for thoracolumbar spine trauma: looking to the future of the thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score.

BACKGROUND: Although numerous systems have been proposed, there is no universally accepted classification or scoring system for thoracolumbar spine injuries. Some have gained popularity, but most systems have never been modified or advanced beyond their initial introductory state. To the authors' knowledge, no thoracolumbar classification system has ever been validated in a systematic and scientific manner. STUDY PURPOSE: To critically review previous thoracolumbar classification systems, to discuss the proposal of the new Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS), to review the steps taken thus far in assessing the reliability of this system, and to discuss plans for future clinical validation of TLICS. METHODS: The authors performed a comprehensive search and analysis of previously published systems for classifying or scoring thoracolumbar spine injuries. Based on the merits and faults of these systems, among other factors, they have developed TLICS. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three phases of validating a fracture classification system described by Audige et al, TLICS has successfully passed through phase 1 (development) and phase 2 (multicenter agreement studies). With modifications made in response to phase 2 studies, TLICS will be ready to enter into the clinical validation phase. Although TLICS will initially be assessed for its ability to predict type of treatment, it is the authors' hope that, with appropriate analysis, the system will also be predictive of injury severity and clinical outcomes. These qualities remain to be demonstrated through rigorous prospective clinical investigation.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Intrarater and interrater reliability and validity in the assessment of the mechanism of injury and integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex: a novel injury severity scoring system for thoracolumbar injuries. Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting On Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2005.

OBJECT: A new classification and treatment algorithm for thoracolumbar injuries was recently introduced by Vaccaro and colleagues in 2005. A thoracolumbar injury severity scale (TLISS) was proposed for grading and guiding treatment for these injuries. The scale is based on the following: 1) the mechanism of injury; 2) the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC); and 3) the patient's neurological status. The reliability and validity of assessing injury mechanism and the integrity of the PLC was assessed. METHODS: Forty-eight spine surgeons, consisting of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons, reviewed 56 clinical thoracolumbar injury case histories. Each was classified and scored to determine treatment recommendations according to a novel classification system. After 3 months the case histories were reordered and the physicians repeated the exercise. Validity of this classification was good among reviewers; the vast majority (> 90%) agreed with the system's treatment recommendations. Surgeons were unclear as to a cogent description of PLC disruption and fracture mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: The TLISS demonstrated acceptable reliability in terms of intra- and interobserver agreement on the algorithm's treatment recommendations. Replacing injury mechanism with a description of injury morphology and better definition of PLC injury will improve inter- and intraobserver reliability of this injury classification system.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the treatment of chronic, posttraumatic kyphotic deformity.

OBJECT: Thoracolumbar fractures, treated operatively or nonoperatively, may cause painful kyphotic deformities over time. A pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is a single-stage posterior procedure designed to correct sagittal plane deformity. Although it was initially used to treat nontraumatic conditions, a PSO can be highly effective in chronic, posttraumatic fractures of the lumbar spine. In this report the authors review details obtained in the treatment of three patients with severe, posttraumatic spinal deformities. They describe the surgical technique used to correct the sagittal malalignments. METHODS: All three patients were middle aged, and good bone mineral density had been demonstrated in each case preoperatively. After PSO, a mean 51 degrees improvement in sagittal alignment was achieved and maintained until a solid arthrodesis was documented in each case. Substantial improvements in pain relief and functional outcome were observed. A detailed, procedure-specific literature review was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: A PSO is a valuable tool to add to the armamentarium of neurosurgeons who treat patients suffering from painful posttraumatic deformity following fractures of the upper lumbar spine.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The effect of sacral fracture malreduction on the safe placement of iliosacral screws.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of cranial displacement on the safe placement of iliosacral screws for zone II sacral fractures. DESIGN: Computer imaging and dimensional analysis of a human cadaveric sacral fracture model. SETTING: Cadaveric dissection, Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Newark, New Jersey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Six cadaveric pelves with simulated zone II sacral fractures were imaged with computed tomography at controlled cranial displacements of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm. The area of contact at the fracture site and volume of bone available for iliosacral screw placement was graphically measured using both two- and three-dimensional computer modeling. Areas of contact were also represented in terms of the maximal number of 7.0 - mm screws that could be simultaneously implanted. RESULTS: Cross-sectional contact area was decreased by 30%, 56%, 81%, and 90% at 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm of displacement, respectively. Volume of bone was decreased by 21%, 25%, 26%, and 34% for 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm of displacement, respectively. In 50% of the specimens at 15 mm and 66% of the specimens with 20 mm displacement, two iliosacral screws could not be contained simultaneously within bone. In 17% of the specimens displaced 15 mm and 50% of the specimens displaced 20 mm, the cross-sectional area was insufficient to contain a single iliosacral screw. CONCLUSIONS: Although previous authors have accepted up to 15 mm of cranial displacement, the data demonstrate substantial compromise of available screw space with displacements greater than 1 cm. Fracture reduction is mandatory, as screw placement with residual displacement of 10 mm or more can endanger adjacent neural and vascular structures.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Stability of cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of stable and unstable cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head or neck; to identify potential risk factor(s) for an unstable versus stable cervical spine fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head and neck are common. Because of the nature of their injuries, patients often present with concomitant airway obstruction and large blood vessel injury that can necessitate emergent procedures. In some cases, acute treatment of these problems can be hindered by the presence of a cervical collar or strict adherence to spinal precautions (i.e., patient laying supine). In such situations, information regarding the probability of a stable versus unstable cervical spine fracture would be useful in emergency treatment decision making. METHODS: A search for patients with gunshot wounds to the head or neck potentially involving the cervical spine over a 13-year period was performed using a trauma registry. Individuals with cervical spine fractures were identified and their records reviewed in detail. Data collected included information about neurologic deficits, mental status, airway treatment, entrance wounds, fracture level/type, initial/definitive fracture treatment, and final disposition at hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were identified; 19 had cervical spine fractures. There were 5 patients who were not examinable because of altered mental status (severe head trauma, hemorrhagic shock, or intoxication). All 5 patients had stable cervical spine fractures. There were 11 patients who had an acute spinal cord injury, 3 (30%) of whom underwent surgery for an unstable fracture. Of the 65 awake, alert patients without a neurologic deficit, only 3 (5%) had a fracture, none of which were unstable. CONCLUSIONS: Gunshot wounds to the head and neck had a high rate of concomitant cervical spine fracture. Neurologically intact patients have a lower rate of fracture than those presenting with a spinal cord injury or altered mental status. In this small series of patients, the only unstable cervical spine injuries were detected in patients with a spinal cord injury. The data suggest that spinal precautions and/or a hard cervical collar should not be maintained at the expense of delaying or hindering emergent life-saving airway or hemodynamically stabilizing procedures, particularly in awake, neurologically intact patients. However, the cervical collar and spinal precautions should be resumed after such procedures are completed and continued until a more definitive evaluation of spinal stability can be performed.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed2005

A new classification of thoracolumbar injuries: the importance of injury morphology, the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurologic status.

STUDY DESIGN: A new proposed classification system for thoracolumbar (TL) spine injuries, including injury severity assessment, designed to assist in clinical management. OBJECTIVE: To devise a practical, yet comprehensive, classification system for TL injuries that assists in clinical decision-making in terms of the need for operative versus nonoperative care and surgical treatment approach in unstable injury patterns. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The most appropriate classification of traumatic TL spine injuries remains controversial. Systems currently in use can be cumbersome and difficult to apply. None of the published classification schemata is constructed to aid with decisions in clinical management. METHODS: Clinical spine trauma specialists from a variety of institutions around the world were canvassed with respect to information they deemed pivotal in the communication of TL spine trauma and the clinical decision-making process. Traditional injury patterns were reviewed and reconsidered in light of these essential characteristics. An initial validation process to determine the reliability and validity of an earlier version of this system was also undertaken. RESULTS: A new classification system called the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) was devised based on three injury characteristics: 1) morphology of injury determined by radiographic appearance, 2) integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and 3) neurologic status of the patient. A composite injury severity score was calculated from these characteristics stratifying patients into surgical and nonsurgical treatment groups. Finally, a methodology was developed to determine the optimum operative approach for surgical injury patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Although there will always be limitations to any cataloging system, the TLICS reflects accepted features cited in the literature important in predicting spinal stability, future deformity, and progressive neurologic compromise. This classification system is intended to be easy to apply and to facilitate clinical decision-making as a practical alternative to cumbersome classification systems already in use. The TLICS may improve communication between spine trauma physicians and the education of residents and fellows. Further studies are underway to determine the reliability and validity of this tool.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

The influence of subdiagnosis on radiographic and clinical outcomes after lumbar fusion for degenerative disc disorders: an analysis of the literature from two decades.

STUDY DESIGN: A critical review of published literature from 2 decades. OBJECTIVE: To critically analyze the literature from 1979 to 2000 in order to examine the influence of subdiagnosis on outcome after fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disorders. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Numerous diagnostic subgroups of degenerative disc disorders exist. Although it is commonly believed that surgical outcomes after lumbar fusion are influenced by these subdiagnoses, there is a paucity of literature demonstrating differences in clinical outcomes or fusion rates among them. As the indications for fusion have been under greater scrutiny recently, this information would be useful in prognosticating outcomes and optimizing patient selection. METHODS: A computer search of the English literature using the keywords "degenerative," "lumbar," and "fusion" was performed. Disorders were organized according to the following subdiagnostic groups: degenerative spondylolisthesis (DDDsp), herniated disc (DH), degenerative scoliosis (DDDsc), stable DDD (DDDs), dynamically unstable DDD (DDDu), and DDD that was not specified as either DDDu or DDDs (DDDn). For each group, the type of instrumentation, fusion location, fusion rate, clinical outcome, and complication rate were recorded in a computer database. Data were pooled by simple summation and statistically analyzed using a chi test or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of 244 articles identified, 78 satisfied inclusion criteria with data from 4454 patients recorded. The most common diagnosis was DDDn (50%), followed by DDDsp (25%), DH (14%), DDDu (6%), DDDs (3%), and DDDsc (2%). The DDDn group had a higher fusion rate than DDDsp (P = 0.025), but a lower clinical outcome (P = 0.051). Complication rates were highest in DDDsc, whereas this subdiagnosis also had the best reported clinical outcomes. In comparing individual subgroups, a trend towards higher fusion rate and better clinical outcome was noted in DDDsp cases with instrumentation compared to noninstrumented cases. This trend was reversed for patients in the DDDn group, in whom better clinical outcomes were noted after noninstrumented fusions regardless of a lower fusion rate. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that clinical outcomes and fusion rates statistically differ among the various subgroups of degenerative disc disease. Concerning the use of instrumentation, it appears that it may have greater clinical benefit in patients with DDDsp than DDDn. These findings underscore the importance of delineating specific clinical diagnoses when documenting results of lumbar fusion. This information might also be useful for both selecting surgical candidates and discussing anticipated operative outcomes.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score: a new paradigm for the treatment of thoracolumbar spine trauma.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary understanding of the biomechanics, natural history, and methods of treating thoracolumbar spine injuries continues to evolve. Current classification schemes of these injuries, however, can be either too simplified or overly complex for clinical use. METHODS: The Spine Trauma Group was given a survey to identify similarities in treatment algorithms for common thoracolumbar injuries, as well as to identify characteristics of injury that played a key role in the decision-making process. RESULTS: Based on the survey, the Spine Trauma Group has developed a classification system and an injury severity score (thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score, or TLICS), which may facilitate communication between physicians and serve as a guideline for treating these injuries. The classification system is based on the morphology of the injury, integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurological status of the patient. Points are assigned for each category, and the final total points suggest a possible treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: The usefulness of this new system will have to be proven in future studies investigating inter- and intraobserver reliability, as well as long-term outcome studies for operative and nonoperative treatment methods.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Initial radiographic evaluation of the spine after trauma: when, what, where, and how to image the acutely traumatized spine.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic evaluation of the spine after an acute traumatic event is an integral part of the initial assessment of the patient. Despite this, an imaging protocol that includes detailed recommendations of the views, modalities, and techniques of radiographic work-up is lacking in the peer-reviewed literature. STUDY PURPOSE: The goal of the current review was to suggest a uniform protocol for initial imaging in the traumatized patient and provide a rationale and guidelines to assist in deciding which studies are indicated and at what time they are best obtained. METHODS: The authors' reviewed the available modern, published, English literature, including both peer-reviewed articles and commonly used textbooks, for recommendations concerning which imaging studies are most effective and cost-efficient in detecting spinal injuries in the acute trauma setting. A list of radiologic studies was compiled. A panel of spine surgeon members of the Spine Trauma Study Group, all of whom were highly experienced in trauma management, evaluated the utility and necessity of these imaging studies. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons agreed that the mainstay of initial radiographic evaluation of the spine after acute trauma remains plain radiographs. CT scanning remains the best mode of delineating the bony details of a spinal injury and should be used to characterize all bony injuries identified on plain radiographs. As CT technology continues to improve, it is likely to play an even greater role as an initial screening tool. The role for MRI continues to expand, particularly in detecting the soft tissue components of injuries.

Diagnosis, Differential↗