Corpectomy and reconstruction via single posterior approach for severe thoracic and lumbar fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the clinical results and early complications of corpectomy and reconstruction with titanium mesh cage implantation and pedicle screw fixation via a single posterior approach for severe thoracic and lumbar fractures.Methods Forty-four patients treated by reconstruction with titanium mesh cage implantation and pedicle screw fixation via a single posterior were studied retrospectively.There were 35 males and 9 females,with an average age of 37.3 years(range,19-66 years).The injury segments include 1 case at T11,5 cases at T12,20 cases at L1,11 cases at L2,5 cases at L3 and 2 cases at L4.According to AO classification,there were 24 cases of A3,17 cases of B1 and B2,and 3 cases of C1.According to ASIA,there were 10 cases of grade A,17 cases of grade B,10 cases of grade C and 7 cases of grade D.The neurologic function and effectiveness of correction of preoperative,immediate postoperative and 2years follow-up were compared,and the clinical outcome and early complications were analyzed.Results The follow-up time was 24 to 58 months,mean 38.9 months.At the time of 2 years postoperation,43 cases of incomplete neurologic deficit had improved 1 or 2 ASIA grades except 1 case of grade A.The results of decompression and reduction were satisfactory from the postoperative radiographic examinations.The correction maintained well and the implant loosening was not seen in 43 cases(97.7%)at the last follow-up.The com plications includeexcessive blood loss(＞1500 ml)in 9 cases,transient nerve root injury in 4,cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 3,instrumentation failure in 1,mesh cage malposition in 3,iatrogenic leaving of free bone granula into the canal in 2,and superficial infection in 1.Conclusion This technique is effective for decompression and fusion,less invasive than combined anteroposterior procedure,and may be another good alternative for the treatment of severe thoracic and lumbar fractures.The early complications are not rare,but most of them are not serious and are relative to techniques.