Treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture with short-segment pedicular screw fixation through fractured vertebra by posterior approach

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of continuous short-segment pedicular screw fixation through the fractured vertebra on thoracolumbar burst fractures.Methods From August 2004 to December 2010,177 cases of single segment thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent operation in our hospital and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.All patients had operation of continuous short-segment pedicular screw fixation through the fractured vertebra by posterior surgical approach.X-rays were reviewed postoperatively and at follow-up time.The front compression ratio of injured vertebra and the Cobb angle were measured and compared between the preoperative and postoperative index.The neurological function recovery was observed simultaneously.Results All of 152 cases achieved follow-up and the follow-up time was 1～7 years,with an average of 3.8 years.Compared with the preoperative condition,the height of fractured vertebra was restored and the Cobb angle was corrected.The front compression ratio of fractured vertebra and the Cobb angle were significantly improved after surgery,with significant differences(P 0.05).No significant difference showed at the last follow-up,compared with postoperative condition(P 0.05).Conclusion The method of continuous fixation through fractured vertebra can effectively prevent postoperative loss of vertebral height and kyphosis,also reduce the occurrence of long-term complications significantly.Thus it is an effective means to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures.