Anterior and Posterior Stabilization by One Stage Posterolateral Approach in the Unstable Fracture of Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical results of anterior and posterior stabilization by one stage posterolateral approach for the unstable fracture of thoracolumbar and lumbar spine. METHODS: By posterolateral approach with curved skin incision, unilateral facet and pedicle were removed. Through this route, corpectomy was performed, and then this space was replaced with mesh cage filled up with autologous bone graft. Both side pedicle screw fixation was followed to upper and lower levels. RESULTS: Six of seven patients of this study showed neurological improvement. The other one patient showed no neurological change. One patient had postoperative infection, another patient had postoperative kyphosis. The other patient had epidural hematoma on operation site after surgery. And all patinets on this study made to have spinal stability except one patient happened postoperative kyphosis. CONCLUSION: In the unstable fracture of thoracolumbar and lumbar spine, one stage anterior and posterior stabilization and fusion by posterolateral approach seems to be an effective procedure, if we have more care and supplementation.