​Functional Analysis of Effectiveness of Short Segment with Index Vertebra Fixation as Compared with Long-segment Fixation in the Management of Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries

ABSTRACT

Background: Dorsolumbar fractures are unstable mostly which requires surgical spinal stabilization to maintain anatomicalreduction and stability and also to promote early bony fusion and mobilization. Posterior short-segment pedicle screw fixation isusually done for burst fractures. Even though early clinical results of this surgery are usually satisfactory, a high failure rate andprogressive kyphosis remain a concern. To overcome this, in addition to short-segment fixation, the pedicle screw is insertedat the fracture site. Long-segment fixation is usually done for fracture dislocations.Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients with dorsolumbar spinal injuries admitted in Government Rajaji Hospital andMadurai Medical College were selected for the study and followed for a period of 24 months. Of these, four patients were lostfollow–up, and hence, 21 cases were included in the study and followed for a period of 2 years.Results: A total of 25 patients were selected for the study. Our results showed good to excellent in long segment, 72.7% of thepatients were good (eight cases), and in short segment, 70% of the cases were good (seven cases). In long segment, 27.7%of the patients were fair (three cases), and in short segment, 30% of the cases were fair (three cases). In our study, the meanof Oswestry Disability Index in long segment is 32.31 and mean in short segment is 31.99. In our study, only one patient hadrod breakage, but the patient had no pain and no neurological deficit, and functional outcome is good.Conclusion: We conclude that short-segment fixation with index vertebra fixation provides as good results as long-segmentfixation with reduction in cost and time of surgery in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries.