Results of Staged 360-Degree Spinal Fusion for Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results obtained in patients who underwent staged 360-degree fusion with posterior fusion following anterolateral fusion for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: The authors performed 360-degree fusion for thoracolumbar burst fractures in 21 patients between 2006 and 2010. We reviewed the medical records and follow-up data including pre- and postoperative neurological status, spinal canal compromise, segmental kyphotic angulations, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, and revision surgery rates. RESULTS: The mean computed tomography-measured preoperative spinal canal compromise was 55.9+/-20.7%. The segmental kyphotic deformity measured 20.2+/-4.4degrees preoperatively and had been corrected to 4.5+/-2.8degrees postoperatively. The mean vertebral body height loss of 57.4+/-6.9% improved significantly to 1.2+/-0.7% at the final follow-up examination. The mean preoperative VAS pain score of 8.2+/-0.8 improved to 1.5+/-0.6 at discharge. There were no cases of vascular complication, neurological deterioration, or revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Unstable burst fracture of thoracolumbar spine managed by staged posterior fusion and anterolateral interbody fusionis effective for kyphosis correction, significant canal decompression, pain reduction, maintaining stabilization and neurological improvement.