ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar fracture is commonly seen in spinal injuries, which causes loss of stability of the spine, as well as spinal cord and nerve compression, even deformity and paralysis. The diagnosis and treatment of thoracolumbar fracture remain controversial.OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mechanism of thoracolumbar fracture based on finite element method, its classification and transpedicular screw fixation.METHODS: The first author retrieved CNKI and PubMed databases for the relevant literature published between January 2000 and December 2016. The keywords were "finite element method, thoracolumbar spine fracture,transpedicular screw fixation" in Chinese and English, respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The finite element analysis method can simulate the mechanism of thoracolumbar fracture and provides a reference for the studies on the occurrence, development and treatment of thoracolumbar fracture. (2) The classification of thoracolumbar fracture is beneficial for planning a rational treatment strategy and evaluating prognosis. (3) Compared with the traditional screw fixation, the transpedicular screw fixation holds advantages in biomechanical stability and postoperative correction effect. (4) There are various classifications for thoracolumbar fracture; differences in severity and cartilage injury are difficult to simulate completely. (5) The finite element analysis method shows certain application limitations due to long learning curve and modeling time as well as complicated calculations.