The Posterolateral Decompression for Burst Fracture in the Thoracolumbar Spine

ABSTRACT

The posterolateral approaches to the spine is an effective method for the neural decompression and the spinal stabilization. This procedure has an advantages of an one-stage posterolateral decompression-stabilization. We have experienced 8 patients with burst fracture in the thoracolumbar junction. A three-quater prone position was used for patient positioning. No patient showed neurologic deterioration after surgery. Patient positioning and the operative approach are described and illustrated.