OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effectiveness of posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures using pedicle screw fixation.
METHODS: Between May 2008 and July 2013, 52 patients of severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures were treated through posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra using pedicle screw fixation. There were 33 males and 19 females with an age of 21-56 years (mean, 37.9 years). The causes of thoracolumbar burst fractures included fall from height in 32 cases, traffic accidents in 16 cases, and others in 4 cases. The load sharing classification (LSC) score was 7-9 (mean, 7.85). The levels involved included Tin 4 cases, Tin 19 cases, Lin 25 cases, and Lin 4 cases. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade A, 4 cases of grade B, 8 cases of grade C, 11 cases of grade D, and 27 cases of grade E. The rate of spinal canal occupying was 24.2%-76.7% (mean, 47.1%). The time from injury to operation was 3-5 days (mean, 3.6 days). The effectiveness was assessed by the changes of injured vertebral Cobb angle, anterior vertebral height, and the Frankel grading at pre- and post-operation. 11 12 1 2
RESULTS: The operation time was 85-127 minutes (mean, 106.5 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 90-155 mL (mean, 137.6 mL). All the incision healed at first intension. Forty-seven patients were followed up 19-27 months (mean, 23.2 months), and no incision infection, screw loosening, or other internal fixation failures was found during follow-up. The injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at immediate after operation or at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (<0.001). There was a loss of injured vertebral Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height at last follow-up, but no significant difference was found between at immediate after operation and at last follow-up (>0.05). The Frankel grade improved by 0-2 grades at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative grades (=15.980,=0.003). P P Z P
CONCLUSION: Posterior short-segment fixation including the fractured vertebra for severe unstable thoracolumbar fractures (LSC≥7) using pedicle screw fixation can correct the kyphosis deformity, restore vertebral body height, and aviod the need of anterior reconstruction.
