Pedicle Screw Fixation and Posterolateral Fusion for Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture

ABSTRACT

From January, 1996 to December, 1997, 24 patients with unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture were treated with pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral fusion. The present study is a retrospective analysis on various clinical paramaters such as age, sex distribution, causes of injury, levels of injury and outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 17 months(range, 4-26 months) after their initial operation. Reduction and stabilization was attained without complications. Sixteen patients with Frankel Grade-C,D,E returned to full-time work, but 8 patients with Frankel grade-A, B were not significantly improved. Maximum neurologic recovery can be expected with prompt and adequate decompression, restoration of normal spinal alignment and rigid internal fixation.