Application of titanium mesh fusion device in treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the surgical method, clinical result, biomechanical property, and surgical indication of treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with titanium mesh fusion device. Methods 22 patients with the thoracolumbar burst fracture and paralysis were treated by anterior decompression and spinal stability reconstruction with titanium mesh fusion device and a titanium plate. In this group, the fracture was at the 12th thoracic vertebra in 7 cases, the 1st lumbar in 14, and the 2nd lumbar in 1. According to Frankel’s classification, 4 cases were of Grade A, 6 of Grade B, and 12 of Grade C. 20 patients experienced the kyphosis deformity. The kyphosis angles varied from 12 to 29 degrees with a mean of 19.5 degrees. Results The period of postoperative follow up varied from 0.6 to 2 years with an average of 1.2 years. The neural function was improved for more than 1 grade. 15 cases could control urination after the surgery. The kyphosis angles were reduced to 3 to 8 degrees with a mean of 5 degrees. The complications caused by the implants were not found. Conclusions To treat the thoracolumbar burst fractures with paralysis, the compressive elements from anterior side of the spinal cord should be completely removed. Since the titanium mesh fusion device plus a plate can reconstruct the spinal stability that satisfies spinal biomechanical property, it presents important application value.