Clinical Outcome Of Short-Segment Transpedicle Treatment Of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Without Fusion

Objective To determine the outcome of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who were treated with short segment pedicle screw fixation without fusion.Methods Fifty two patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were included in this study, without fusion performed when underwent short segment pedicle screw fixation. The patients were followed for at least 6 months(mean 19 months).All patients underwent a clinical and radiological assessment by an independent observer. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with use of the Denis pain scale and Denis work scale.Radiographic outcomes were assessed on the basis of the regional kyphosis angle and loss of kyphosis correction ,vertebrae body height ratio and loss of vertebrae body height correction.Results A marked correction of vertebral body (VB) height and kyphosis angle was noted after the initial surgical correction.The loss of anterior body height correction was 4 % and the loss of kyphosis correction was 4°at final follow up.6 patients had implant failure.Forty one patients with P1,9 with P2 and 2 with P3 based on Denis pain scale at review. Thirty five patients with W1,15 with W2 and 2 with W3 based on Denis work scale at review.Conclusions The short-term results of short segmental fixation without fusion for surgically treated burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine were satisfactory.