Short segment fixation thoracolumbar unstable burst fractures using dc plates & pedicle screws

Abstract Twenty-one patients with unstable burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine (T12-L3) were treated with narrow DC plates and 6.5mm cancellous pedicle screws. The number of levels instrumented in all patients were only one level above and one level below the fracture. Follow-up averaged 22 months (range 12-45 months). The correction of kyphotic angle in all patients averaged 6.1 degrees at follow-up, while in patients with fractures above L2 level 1.4 degrees, and in patients with fractures below L2 level 24 degrees. The improvement of vertebral segment height for all patients averaged 5% of normal at follow-up, while in patients with fractures above L2 level 3%, and in patients with fractures below L2 level 11% The neurologic improvement averaged 1.7 Frankel grades (range, 1-3). The fixation was stable enough to allow early mobilization and rehabilitation. There were no screw breakage of implant failure, and solid fusion was obtained in all patients.