[Anterior thoracolumbar K-plate fixation system: design and clinical application].

OBJECTIVES

To develop an anterior thoracolumbar K-plate fixation system and to report its preliminary clinical application.

METHODS

The K-plate system was developed with titanium alloy(TC4, Ti6A14V) and self-locking screw design was used. In 23 cases treated with this system, 13 had thoracolumbar fracture, 9 tuberculosis, and back syndrome after lumbar TFC operation.

RESULTS

All the 23 cases were followed up for one to ten months, averaging 4.5 months. In the 13 cases of fracture, body height of injured vertebra were regained completely, and neurologic deficits improved 2.1 grades in Frankel scale. In the 9 cases of tuberculosis, neurologic functions recovered and no local recurrence was noted. In one case of back syndrome, symptoms and signs did not occur after anterior TFC removal, interbody fusion, and K-plate fixation. This patient received second operation to remove K-plate 3 months after solid osseous fusion, and no electric erosion or obvious tissue reaction was found. 18 of the 23 cases were followed up for four months or more, and solid fusion was found in these patients in three to four months after surgery. No early complications related to implant were noted during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This K-plate system is suitable for reconstruction of thoracolumbar stability after anterior decompression in indicated patients.