Additional fixation of injured vertebra with percutaneous pedicle screws(Sextant system) for thora-columbar fractures without neural symptoms

Abstract

Objective To compare the therapeutic results of additional fixation of the injured ver-tebra and conventional fixation across the injured vertebra with percutaneous pedicle screws (Sextant system) for the thoracolumbar fractures without neural symptoms. Method From September 2007 to March 2009,35 patients with thoracolumbar fracture were treated with the Sextant-R percutaneous pedicle screw fixation system. Of them, 21 were treated with four pedicle screw fixation (FPSF) and 14 with six pedicle screw fixation (SPSF). The perioperative indexes and corrections were compared between the 2 groups. Results There were no significantly differences (P > 0.05) in surgical time, surgical blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative administration of analgesics and postoperative pain evaluation in the two groups. In each group, there were significant differences between preoperation and postoperation (P<0.05) in the Cobb angle, sagittal index, anterior and posterior heights of the injured vertebral body. Compared with the FPSF group, the SPSF group had significantly better improvement (P <0.05) in the anterior and posterior heights of injured vertebral body. Conclusions The minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screws (Sextant system) have the advantages of simple manipulation, safety, limited trauma, less bleeding, less pain, quick recovery and short hospitalization time. Compared with the FIEF, the SPSF may be superior in resuming the anterior and posterior heights of the fractured vertebral body. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Fracture; Fracture fixation; internal