Outcomes of two types of short-segment pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility of mono-segment pedicle instrumentation (MSPI)in management of thoracolumbar fracture (AO classification,A1 and A3) by being compared with short-segment(two-segment) pedicle instrumentation(SSPI).Methods Overall 141 patients with tape A1 or A3 thoracolumbar fractures,aged from 20 to 60 years (average,40.5 years),were enrolled in this prospective study.According to a simple randomized method,35 patients with type A1 fracture and 41 patients with type A3fracture were treated with MSPI,while 26 with type A1 fracture and 39 with type A3 fracture were treated with SSPI.Low back outcome score (LBOS) and ASIA2000 were used to evaluate clinical outcome.Eighteenth month postoperatively was assigned as the last follow up period.Wedge index (WI) and sagittal index (SI) of the affected vertebrae on radiography were measured and compared preoperatively,one week postoperatively and at the final follow-up.Results All patients were followed up successfully.The blood loss and duration of operation of MSPI group were significantly less than that of SSPI group,respectively.However,there were no significant differences of clinical outcome between two groups.For type A1 fracture,correction rate and correction loss of WI in MSPI group were better than those in SSPI group.For type A3 fracture,there were no significant differences of correction rate and correction loss of WI and SI between MSPI group and SSPI group; however,the failure rate of MSPI group was significantly higher than that of SSPI group.Conclusion For type A1 and partial type A3 thoracolumbar fractures,MSPI can provide the same or better fixation with less blood loss and operative duration than SSPI.Since MSPI for type A3.2 thoracolumbar fracture has a higher failure rate,the surgical indication should be strictly controlled. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Spinal fractures; Spinal fusion