Clinical and Radiological Assessment of Interbody Fusion and Short-Segment Fixation in Dorso-Lumbar Fractures

Abstract

Background: Spine fractures account for a large portion of musculoskeletal injuries worldwide. Approximately 75% to 90% of spinal fractures occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine, with most of these occurring at the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2). Surgical treatment has demonstrated better clinical and radiological results than conservative treatment. Objective: To evaluate the outcome of short-segment fixation with interbody fusion in dorsolumbar fractures clinically and radiologically. Patients and Methods: This study took place at the Neurotrauma Unit of Neurosurgery Department, Zagazig University Hospitals. It included sixteen patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated by short-segment open transpedicular posterior fixation with interbody fusion. Results: Male was the predominant sex (68.7%), mean age was 37.88 years (range: 19-55 years) and the residence in rural areas was 50 % and in urban areas was 50 %. Housewives were the predominant occupation and constitute 31.3%. 81.3% of patients were married. The most prevalent AO spine type of fracture was A3 fracture where it constituted 62.5% of patients, the level of fracture was L2 in 50 % of patients & about 38% had severe pain as reported on VAS score. In our Study there was significant change in ASIA score 12 weeks postoperatively. While 62.5% had E score preoperatively, 87.5% had it 12 weeks postoperatively and 12.5% turned had score C 12 weeks preoperatively versus no one postoperatively had C ASIA score. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar fractures allows for immediate stabilization of the spine, restoration of sagittal alignment, and the possibility of spinal canal decompression.