OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of pedicle screw fixation combined with non-fusion technology for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture (AO type A) through Wiltse paraspinal approach.
METHODS: Between March 2011 and December 2012, 35 cases of thoracolumbar fractures were treated with pedicle screw fixation combined with non- fusion technology by Wiltse paraspinal approach. There were 27 males and 8 females, aged from 19 to 51 years (mean, 39.7 years). The time from injury to operation varied from 3 to 15 days (mean, 5.9 days). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 17 cases, falling from height in 11 cases, and crush trauma in 7 cases. All fractures were single-segment fracture, including Ts in 1 case, T9 in 2 cases, T10 in 2 cases, T11 in 3 cases, T12 in 12 cases, L1 in 10 cases, L2 in 4 cases, and L3 in 1 case. According to AO classification, there were 17 type A1 fractures (compression fracture), 3 type A2 fractures (splitting fracture), and 15 type A3 fractures (burst fracture). Based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) spinal cord injury grade, all cases were in grade E before operation. Perioperative parameters were recorded; the anterior vertebral height and kyphotic Cobb angle of vertebral bodies were measured before and after operation to evaluate the effect of correction.
RESULTS: The mean operating time was 74 minutes; the mean blood loss was 125 mL; and the mean drainage volume was 51 mL. Skin necrosis of incision occurred in 2 cases and was cured after dressing change; primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. All patients were followed up 15-24 months (mean, 17.3 months). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was found. The internal fixator was removed at 12-19 months after operation (mean, 15 months). There were significant differences in Cobb's angle and anterior vertebral body height between before operation and immediately after operation, before internal fixator removal as well as at last follow- up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in anterior vertebral body height among the postoperative time points (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in Cobb's angle between immediately after operation and before internal fixator removal as well as at last follow-up (P < 0.05), but the difference was not significant between before internal fixator removal and at last follow-up (P > 0.05). The motion of fixed segment was restored after internal fixator removal.
CONCLUSION: It is an effective method of pedicle screw fixation combined with non-fusion technology through Wiltse paraspinal approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture (AO type A). The method has the advantages of simple operation and less trauma. It can effectively rebuild the height of vertebral body and correct kyphotic deformity.
