ABSTRACT
Objective Short-segment fixation is one of the most commonly used methods for the management of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.In this study, we compared the clinical effects of short-segment fixation via and across the injured vertebrae in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures . Methods We retrospectively analyzed 75 cases of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures treated by short-segment fixation, 39 via the injured vertebrae (group A) and 36 across the injured vertebrae (group B).We obtained the pre-and post-operative anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVBHr) and sagittal Cobb angle, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss, and compared them between the two groups of patients . Results Compared with the baseline, the AVBHr and the sagittal Cobb angle were significantly restored after surgery in both groups A ([56.32 ±12.53] vs [85.76 ±11.48]%and [20.41 ±5.73] vs [8.72 ±5.34]°, P0.05).The losses of the AVBHr and Cobb angle were (3.78 ±1.24)%and (2.25 ±1.06)°in group A, signifi-cantly lower than (6.69 ±2.52)% and (6.31 ±2.18)°in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion For thoracolumbar fractures, short-segment fixation either via or across the injured vertebrae can effective-ly improve the vertebral height and Cobb angle , but fixation via the injured vertebrae may achieve a better maintenance of correction .