Anterior Reconstruction In The Treatment Of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: N-HA/PA66 Artificial Intervertebral Support Body Versus Titanium Mesh Cage

Objective: To compare the surgical therapeutic results for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture by anterior reconstruction with n-HA/PA66 artificial intervertebral support body and titanium mesh cage.Methods: From January 2007 to September 2009,Eighty-three patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture were assessed retrospectively with anterior reconstruction either n-HA/PA66 artificial intervertebral support body (n-HA/PA66 group,n=30) or titanium mesh cage(TMC group,n=53), depending on the type of implants available at the time of operation.Spinal cord function was assessed with Franckel classification, pain by VAS, and daily life function assessment by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system,The improvement of anterior column height of vertebral fusion segments, kyphosis angle and spinal canal encroachment rate was assessed through the radiographic imaging,and so was the condition of bone graft fusion. Statistical data of internal fixation and intervertebral support body related complications was monitored.Results: All patients were followed up for 12 to 46 months, average (24.6±3.2) months.There were no severe postoperative complications,such as deterioration of nerve function. All cases obtained Osseous fusion after 3-6 months postoperation. There was no statistically significant difference between n-HA/PA66 group and TMC group in the improvement of pain, Spinal cord function,daily life function, anterior column height of vertebral fusion segments, kyphosis angle, spinal canal encroachment rate (P> 0.05). However, The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in artificial intervertebral support body subsidence and implants related complications. (P<0.05)Conclusion: Both implants were equally effective for reconstruction of thoracolumbar vertebral burst fracture anterior column.As vertebral body alternative, n-HA/PA66 artificial vertebral body will have an advantage over titanium mesh because of lower subsidence occurrence rate and less implants related complications,and have good clinical application.