Effect of the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation at the fractured vertebra on the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation at the fractured vertebra in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. All patients received percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, and they were randomly divided into two groups to undergo either the placement of pedicle screws into the fractured vertebra (fractured group) or not (control group). The operation time and intra-operative blood loss were recorded. Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) as clinical assessments were quantified. Radiographic follow-up was defined by the vertebral body index (VBI), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), and Cobb angle (CA).

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in the operation time and intra-operative blood loss between the two groups. Clinical results (VAS and ODI scores) showed no significant difference during all the follow-up periods. In the fractured group, there were better correction and less loss of AVBH and VBI compared with the control group. However, post-operative correction of the CA immediately after surgery and the correction loss at the final follow-up showed no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous screw fixation combined with intermediate screws at the fractured vertebra could more effectively restore and maintain fractured vertebral height, and is an acceptable, minimally invasive surgical choice for patients with type A thoracolumbar fractures.