Posterior arthrodesis with short segment transpedicular fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures

ABSTRACT

12 patients who had a burst fracture of thoracolumber spine were managed with the use of short segment transpedicular fixation. The patients were followed up for an average period of 24 months. 12 months after the operation, the rods were removed and the fusion mass was inspected. All 12 patients had a solid fusion at all levels of the arthrodesis at the latest follow-up examination, with good range of spinal movement for segments in which fusion had not been intended. Before operation the average anterior height of the fractured vertebra was 59.5% of the estimated height before injury, this improved after the operation to 82.7%. At the latest follow-up examination, the anterior height was average 75.75% of the estimated height before the injury. Kyphosis of the injured segment before the operation was measured for the 12 patients averaged 24 degrees, as a result of the operation, this improved an average of 7 degrees of kyphosis. At the latest evaluation the average kyphosis of the injured segment was 15 degrees. Although, the anatomical results as seen on the recent radiographs were superior, at the latest follow up evaluation some loss of spinal alignment was noted