Comparison of Percutaneous Minimally Invasive versus Open Posterior Spine Surgery for Fixation of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a treatment option for thoracolumbar fractures and we aim to evaluate its outcomes. Methods A retrospective matched cohort study of all patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated with MISS or open posterior approach. Results We included 100 MISS and 155 open patients. After controlling for patient characteristics, our results statistically favor MISS in mean operative time, mean intraoperative blood loss, and number of patients requiring postoperative blood transfusions within 48 hours. Conclusions Advantages of using MISS for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures are decreased operative time, decreased blood loss, and fewer patients requiring transfusions.