Intermediate Screws in Short Segment Pedicular Fixation for Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Burst Fractures

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Published: Oct 31, 2009
Keywords:
fracture spine pedicular screw intermediate screws

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Ekapichon S, MD
Department of Orthopedics, Chumphonketudomsuk Hospital, Chumphon, Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical relevance of short segment pedicular fixation with intermediate screws.


Methods: Retro- and prospective studies were done of 29 patients with thoracolumbar or lumbar burst fractures who were treated with posterior short segment pedicular fixation. Anterior vertebral body height compression percentage (AVBCP) and local kyphosis were measured and analyzed pre-operatively, post-operatively, and at last follow-up period. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months.


Results: The mean immediate post-operative corrections of AVBCP and kyphosis were 24±15% and 14±8° respectively. The mean losses of correction at the last follow-up period were 0% and 2.2° for AVBCP and kyphosis respectively. At last follow-up, there was significant loss of correction of kyphosis (p<.001), whereas lost of correction of AVBCP was not significant (p=0.135). The final kyphotic angle at the latest follow-up period compared to the preoperative value was significantly improved (p<.001). There was no evidence of instrument failure or neurological deterioration in this study.


Conclusions: Short segment pedicular fixation with intermediate screws is safe and effective in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures. It provides significant correction of vertebral body height and local kyphosis, and maintains the correction.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 33 No. 1-2 (2009): June-October
Section
Original Articles

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