Navigation-guided posterior fixation plus transpedicular vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of navigation-guided posterior fixation plus transpedicular vertebroplasty for thoracolumbar fractures.MethodsFrom June, 2005 through March,2009, 30 patients with thoracolumbar fracture underwent navigation-guided posterior fixation with transpedicular vertebroplasty in our department. They were 18 men and 12 women, aged from 21 to 57 years (mean,35.5 years). Three fractures occurred on T11, 11 on T12, 14 on L1, and 2 on L2.Results The follow-ups averaged 18 months ( 12 to 36 months). Of the 120 pedicle screws inserted, 110 were of degree 0, 8of degree I, 2 of degree Ⅱ, 0 of degree Ⅲ. The total good to excellent rate was 98.3％ for the screw insertion. Before operation, the average canal compromise was 37.5％ (5％ to 70％ ), the average vertebrae compression was 54. 5％ (40％ to 70％ ), and the average Cobb angle was 29. 5° ( 15.5° to 41.5°). Postoperatively the average canal compromise was 14. 3％ (0 to 20％ ), the average height of vertebrae was 91.3％ (80％ to 100％ ) and the average Cobb angle was 4. 9° ( 1. 3° to 9. 1°). The long-term follow-ups showed an average Cobb angle loss of ＜ 1° and an average vertebral height loss of ＜ 2 mm.Conclusions The navigation-guided posterior fixation plus transpedicular vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for thoracolumbar fractures. Computer-assisted navigation system enhances accuracy and further improves the safety of spine surgery, compared with just the anterior or posterior fixation. Key words: Su rgery, computer-assisted; Spil al fracture; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone graft