Old thoracolumbar fractures treated by opening osteotomy supplemented with autologous anterior strut grafting and internal fixation through posterior-lateral approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the radiographic and clinical outcomes of opening osteotomy supplemented with autologous anterior strut grafting and internal fixation through posterior-lateral approach in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. MethodsFrom January 2008 through March 2010,a consecutive series of 13 thoracolumbar fractures were managed with opening osteotomy supplemented with autologous anterior strut grafting and internal fixation through posterior-lateral approach.They were 8 males and 5 females,aged from 20 to 58 years(median age,37.2 years).The fractures happened at T11 in 2 cases,at T12 in 3 cases,at L1 in 6 cases and at L2 in 2 cases.The autologous ilium was used for all the anterior strut grafts.The time from injury to surgery ranged from 21 days to 2 years (average,8 months).The mean heights of anterior and posterior borders of the vertebral body,the cobb angles and treatment-related complications were compared between preoperation and postoperation and the patients' satisfaction was assessed with the visual analogue scale(VAS).Statistical analyses were performed with the paried-sample t test. Results The patients were followed for 12 to 36 months (average,17 months).The latest follow-up radiographs were available for all patients.The mean heights of anterior and posterior borders of the vertebral body restored respectively from preoperative 21.02 ± 3.02 cm and 31.34 ± 5.18 cm to postoperative 31.88 ±3.46 cm and 33.75 ± 3.66 cm.The mean cobb angle was corrected from preoperative 28.46° ± 5.81° to postoperative 4.62° ± 3.48°.The mean VAS score decreased from preoperative 7.63 ± 0.72 to 1.39 ± 1.02 at the final follow-up.There were significant differences between preoperation and postoperation in the radiographic and clinical outcomes ( P ＜ 0.05).No mortality or major complications occurred involving large blood vessels or abdominal viscera or internal organs. Conclusion The opening osteotomy supplemented with autologous anterior strut grafting and internal fixation through posterior-lateral approach is safe and effective for old unstable thoracolumbar fractures.