Inclusion of the fracture level in short-segment fixation of unstable traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures

Abstract

Introduction The diagnosis, classifications, and treatment of injuries of the thoracolumbar spine continue to attract controversy. Objective The present study evaluated the efficacy of treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures by transpedicular screw fixation including the fractured vertebra. Patients and methods From January 2013 to March 2015, 40 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation consecutively in Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta. Results Forty (25 male and 15 female) patients with age ranging between 16 and 66 years (mean 41.8%) were operated upon by posterior transpedicular screw fixation. According to the American Spinal Injury Association scoring system, all patients were grade E. The mean of kyphotic deformities measured preoperatively was 18.4±5.5° and after 12 months of follow-up it was 9.0±4.1°. Conclusion By applying the transpedicular screw fixation of the unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar spine, a stable fracture fixation can be achieved; this kind of fixation prevents secondary spine deformities.