RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of anterolateral decompression and internal fixation on the treatment of old thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture with associated incomplete paraplegia. Method the clinical findings of 26 cases with old thoracolumber vertebrae fracture with associated incomplete paraplegia treated by anterolateral decompression and internal fixing were reviewed retrospectively. Results All cases were followed up for 6 months through 2.5 years. The angle of kyphosis was 23?preoperatively and 6?postoperatively. According to Frankel's grading, there were two cases at grade A, three at grade B, five at grade C, seven at grade D, nine at grade E before operation and one at grade A, three at grade B, four at grade C, six at grade D and 12 at grade E after operation. Conclusion Anterolateral decompression and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for the old thoracolumber vertebrae fracture associated with incomplete paraplegia, especially for spinal deficit generated by displacement of the middle column.