Long versus Short Segment Instrumentation in Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fracture

ABSTRACT

Study DesignRetrospective comparative study.PurposeThis study aimed to compare clinical and radiological data and rate of mechanical complications in elderly patients treated with short segment (SSS) or long segment stabilization (LSS) for thoracolumbar junction osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs).Overview of LiteratureA fervent debate is now focused on the treatment of OVF using SSS or LSS. High rate of complications is associated with pedicle screw fixation because of poor bone quality.MethodsPatients over 65 years old with a T-score of ResultsA total of 37 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 33.97±9.26 months. For both groups, ODI and VAS significantly decreased over time with good results (pp=0.046), whereas no difference was found in SSS group. A significant difference in the rate of mechanical complications was found between groups (p=0.011).ConclusionsBoth treatments showed good clinical and radiological results; however, LSS group showed better BKA correction and lower mechanical complications than SSS group.