Anterior reconstruction of thoracolumbar burst fractures

ABSTRACT

Seventy-seven patients [average age of 32.4 years] with thoracolumbar burst fractures [type A3 [68] and type C3 [9]] were treated and prospectively evaluated both clinically and radiologically at two- month interval. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 months. The results showed that the average neurologic improvement was 1.8 Frankel grades per patient. At the latest follow up, 53 patients were neurologically free, 47 patients had no or occasional minimal back pain, 43 patients returned to their previous jobs or the level of activity and 15 patients returned to less strenuous jobs. The mean encroachment of the spinal canal improved from 74.6% preoperatively to 7% postoperatively. The kyphotic angle improved from a mean of 32.3 degrees preoperatively to a mean of 6.8 degrees at the follow up. All patients showed radiographic solid fusion at an average of six months after surgery. No major complications were encountered