RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the result of short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation plus pedicle screws inserted into the injury level for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods Fifty-six cases of thoracolumbar burst fracture treated from June 2008 to June 2011 were reviewed.There were 40 males and 16 females at mean age of 32.8 years (range,25-60 years).Twenty-four cases were injured from traffic accidents,19 cases from fall from the height,and 13 cases from fall of heavy objects.Fractured segments were T11 in 6 cases,T12 in 14 cases,L1 in 16 cases,L2 in 12 cases,L3in 5 cases,and L4 in 3 cases.Thirty cases underwent short-segment pedicle screw fixation through the level above the fracture to level below the fracture (Group A).Apart from this,26 cases were treated with additional transpedicular fixation at the fractured level (Group B).Anterior vertebral height ratio,sagittal Cobb' s angle,neurologic performance as evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale were assessed before operation,one week after operation,and one year after operation.Results Anterior vertebral height ratio and Cobb' s angle revealed no significant differences between the two groups before operation and one week after operation.At postoperative one year,anterior vertebral height ratio and sagittal Cobb' s angle were (87.2 ± 6.9)％ and (7.6 ± 3.2)°in Group A with significant differences from (93.3 5.7)％ and (5.7 ± 1.9) ° in Group B (P ＜ 0.05),but there was no statistical difference in ASIA scale of neurologic performance.Conclusion Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation with stabilization at the level of fracture is an effective treatment for thoracolumbar burst fracture.