Posterior Short-segmental Fixation Combined With Intermediate Screws Fixation For Monosegmental Thoracolumbar Fractures

Objective:This study compared the short-term results of short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws with those of conventional intersegmental fixation in the treatment of monosegmental thoracolumbar fractures.Methods:The records of32consecutive patients with thoracolumbar monosegmental fractures who underwent short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws(14patients) or conventional4-screw intersegmental fixation(18patients) were reviewed. The following data were obtained preoperatively and1to3months postoperatively, Relative Height of the Fractured Vertebra, Segmental Kyphotic Angle,Reduction Rate of the Fractured Vertebra,Decrease of Segmental Kyphotic Angle.And the Operative time and Blood loss were record.Results:There was a significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Relative Height of the Fractured Vertebra(p<0.001)and Segmental Kyphotic Angle (p<0.001)in both of the two groups.However, the Reduction Rate of the Fractured Vertebra(100.3±24.4±vs63.8±36.7%, p<0.001) and Decrease of Segmental Kyphotic Angle(14.2±6.8±vs8.1±7.9±,p=0.002)in short-segmental fixation group were significantly better than the conventional fixation group.Patients in the short-segmental fixation group ambulated an average of10days earlier than those in the conventional fixation group. Conclusions:These findings indicate that compared to conventional intersegmental fixation,short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws more effectively restores fractured vertebral height, is associated with a decrease in the segmental kyphotic angle, and allows earlier ambulation.