Treatment of serious lumbar burst fractures with fixation by vertebral pedicle system combined with minimally-invasive injectable bone graft

Objective To discuss the clinical effects of fixation by vertebral pedicle system combined with minimally-invasive injectable bone graft in the treatment of serious lumbar burst fractures.Methods Thirty-eight patients with serious lumbar burst fractures were treated by vertebral pedicle system combined with minimally-invasive injectable graft.According to the Denis classification,the fractures were diagnosed as type A in 5 cases,type B in 16,type C in 8,type D in 3,and type E in 6.Their preoperative and postoperative plain X-ray films were evaluated.Analysis involved kyphotic angulation,anterior vertebral body height,neural function and back pain.The results were statistically analyzed,with a P value less than 0.05 indicating significant difference. Results All the patients were followed up from 18 months to 36 months(26 months on average).The vertebral heights were regained very well.There were significant differences in Cobb'S angle,anterior vertebral body height and back pain between preoperatively and postoperatively.No patients complained of neurological complications or leakage of the MIIG from the spinal channel.There were no such complications as plate-screw loosening or breaking,or segmental instability.All patients recovered,without notable correction loss or implant failure during the follow-up.Only 2 patients suffered from back pain. Conclusions Treatment of serious lumbar burst fractures with fixation by vertebral pedicle system combined with minimally invasive injectable graft can reduce loss of the vertebral height,correct kyphosis abnormality and relieve back pain.Besides positive curative effects,it is also safe and easy. Key words: Lumbar vertebrae;  Fracture;  Fracture fixation,intemal;  Bone graft