Objective To introduce a scout view scanning technique of back-forward bending CT (BFB-CT) in simulated surgical position for evaluating the remaining real angle and flexibility of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Methods A total of 28 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who met the selection criteria between June 2018 and December 2021 were included in the study. There were 6 males and 22 females with an average age of 69.5 years (range, 56-92 years). The injured vertebra were located at T10-L2, including 11 cases of single thoracic fracture, 11 cases of single lumbar fracture, and 6 cases of multiple thoracolumbar fractures. The disease duration ranged from 3 weeks to 36 months, with a median of 5 months. All patients received examinations of BFB-CT and standing lateral full-spine X-ray (SLFSX). The thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), local kyphosis of injured vertebra (LKIV), lumbar lordosis (LL), and the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. Referring to the calculation method of scoliosis flexibility, the kyphosis flexibility of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and injured vertebra were calculated respectively. The sagittal parameters measured by the two methods were compared, and the correlation of the parameters measured by the two methods was analyzed by Pearson correlation. Results Except LL (P>0.05), TK, TLK, LKIV, and SVA measured by BFB-CT were significantly lower than those measured by SLFSX (P<0.05). The flexibilities of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and injured vertebra were 34.1%±18.8%, 36.2%±13.8%, and 39.3%±18.6%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the sagittal parameters measured by the two methods were positively correlated (P<0.001), and the correlation coefficients of TK, TLK, LKIV, and SVA were 0.900, 0.730, 0.700, and 0.680, respectively. Conclusion Thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to old osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture shows an excellent flexibility and BFB-CT in simulated surgical position can obtain the remaining real angle which need to be corrected surgically.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic outside-in release for gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) in supine position versus lateral decubitus position. Methods The clinical data of 34 GMC patients meeting selection criteria between January 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Arthroscopic contracture band release was performed in the lateral decubitus position (lateral group, n=14) or the supine position (supine group, n=20). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between groups in baseline data, including gender, age, body mass index, preoperative GMC functional quantitative score, modified Harris hip score (mHHS), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and hip flexion/adduction range of motion (ROM). The total operation time, release procedure time, non-release procedure time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared. Functional outcomes (GMC functional quantitative score, mHHS score, VAS score, hip flexion/adduction ROM) were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results All incisions healed by first intention without major vascular or neurological complications. In the lateral group, 3 patients developed patchy bruising on bilateral buttocks and posterior thighs at 3 days after operation, which resolved after 2 weeks of ice packs and ultrasonic therapy. The supine group demonstrated significantly shorter total operation time, non-release procedure time, hospital stay, and reduced intraoperative blood loss versus the lateral group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in release procedure time (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24 months. Both groups showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in mHHS score, GMC functional quantitative score, VAS score, and hip adduction/flexion ROM at all postoperative timepoints compared to preoperative values, with no significant intergroup differences (P>0.05). Conclusion Both surgical positions effectively improve hip function in GMC patients. However, the supine position offers significant advantages over the lateral decubitus position in operation time, anesthesia management, intraoperative blood loss control, and reduced hospital stay.