Burden on caregivers of hip fracture survivors; A systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To assess safety and efficacy of sublaminar mersilene tape augmented pedicle screws fixation as a novel and low cost modality of spinal instrumentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of 40 consecutive patients of the osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. All patients were operated with open surgery with decompression, pedicle screw fixation, and sublaminar mersilene tape augmentation. Clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes were compared to describe the utility of sublaminar mersilene tape augmented pedicle screws for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Results: Compete neurological improvement was noted in 38 patients (Frankel Grade-D to Grade-E), two patients remain with Frankel Garde D neurology. Significant improvement was noted in VAS (preoperative 7.90±0.60 to final follow-up 2.90±0.54) and ODI (preoperative 77.10 ±6.96 to 21.30±6.70 at final follow-up). Significant improvement was noted in local kyphosis angle (preoperative 22.14±2.60 to 10.40 ±1.40 at postoperative) with a 10% loss of correction (2.5±0.90) at final follow-up. There were no pseudoarthrosis and implant failure noted. No iatrogenic dural or nerve injury. Superficial wound infection was noted in two patients that was managed with debridement and antibiotics. Conclusion: There is a high chance of implant failure in the osteoporotic spine due to poor bone quality. Sublaminar mersilene tape augmented pedicle screws fixation is a novel and low-cost modality for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. It provides significant improvement in clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes. It is an alternative option for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures fixation to avoid long construct or cement related complications. A mersilene tape is radiolucent material and does not affect postoperative MRI.