Indirect spinal decompression in burst thoracolumbar fractures

ABSTRACT

This study was performed on 70 patients with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine and had a single staged surgical procedure for the stabilization and indirect decompression of their fractures. Both plain X-rays and CT scan were done for all patients pre- and postoperatively. All patients had a short level instrumentation and fusion. The patients were followed up for an average of 16 months. The canal compromise was reduced from an average of 46% [ranged from 28%-85%] to an average of 22% [ranged from 0%-51%]. Overall, there was no deterioration in the neurological state following surgery in any patient. 90% of neurologically compromised patients improved 1-2 grades. Thus, this procedure seems to be effective for stabilizing and decompressing the spine in thoracolumbar fractures