Selection and curative effect of surgical approach for thoracolumbar fractures / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the selection and curative effect of surgical approach for thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 212 patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated surgically from January 1995 to January 2009 to observe the spinal column and the neurological function recovery. Results Anterior surgery was performed in 73 patients and posterior surgery in 139. The patients were followed up for average 23.7 months ( range, 12-52 months). The height of injury vertebral, the Cobb' s angle and the volume of vertebral canal were improved significantly (P <0.01 ). The patients with incomplete paralysis all got nerve function recovery at different extents ( from one grade to three grades). Conclusions Surgical treatment for thoracolumbar fractures can effectively recover the spine structure and promote the nerve function recovery. The surgical approach should be selected based on the fracture type.