RESUMO
Objective To sum up the surgical characteristics,indications and curative effects of burst fracture by anterior decompression,bone grafting and internal fixation.Methods Since Sep 2004,6 cases with the average age of 32 who were with thoracolumbar spine burst fracture and spinal cord injury of 12-day mean time,were treated with anterior decompression,bone grafting and Z-plate steel plate internal fixation.Before the operation,pateients were classified according to the ASIA classification: 4 cases of grade C,2 cases of grade D;Kyphotic angle(Cobb)15~40?;and vertebral canal 50%~60%.Results The follow-up lasted from 6 to 16 months(average 11 months) and it was found that incision recovered better,no infection of thoracic,abdomen,no grafting loosing or braking occurred.According to the ASIA classification,the functional recovery of spinal cord was 1~2 grade.The Denis assessment showed 5 cases was light back pain,1 case needed medication from time to time but didn't affect the life and work and spine was in order.Conclusion Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fracture by anterior decompression,bone grafting,internal fixation can provide sufficient decompression,high rate of fusion of the implanted bone,stability in the spine and vertebral body,better recovery of neurological function and satisfied curative effects.It is the best choice for thoracolumbar burst facture and spinal cord injury.