The Role of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Thoraco-Lumbar Fractures in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Abstract

IntroductionUnstable spine fractures commonly occur in the setting of a poly-traumatized patients. The aim of management is to balance the need for early stabilization with quick patient's mobilization and reduction of additional trauma due to the major open surgery. Material and MethodsTo assess the operative data, clinical and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive management of Thoraco-lumbar fracture. Methods101 patients underwent minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures percutaneous fixation with or without vertebroplasty. All patients were post-operatively either neurologically intact or improved. There were 60 males and 41 females with an average age of 44 years. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 18 months (3–44 months). The mean operative time was 100 minutes (range 35–240 minutes) and the mean blood loss was < 100mL. VAS was significantly improved from 8.7 to 1 at last follow-up. No patient worsened his or her neurological condition postoperatively. ConclusionMinimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures in poly-traumatized patients appears to be a safe and effective technique to manage Thoraco-lumbar fractures without neurological impairment and allowing early rehabilitation.