[CT morphology of fractured thoraco-lumbar vertebrae after transpedicular spongiosaplasty and use of internal fixator].

PURPOSE: An analysis of the CT morphology of fractured thoraco-lumbar vertebrae after treatment with internal fixation and transpedicular spongiosaplasty (SP).

MATERIAL AND METHOD: 30 patients were examined following trauma and surgery after about 12 and 30 months by means of CT. The following were evaluated: width of the spinal canal; height of the vertebra and intervertebral space; degree of kyphosis; position, size and appearance of the SP and of the vertebral body.

RESULTS

The width of the spinal canal was reconstituted in 91%; in 83% the anterior vertebral margin and in 35% the intervertebral space was reduced. A kyphosis of 8.9 degree was found on the followup examination. The SP showed a reduction in size (18/30) or could no longer be defined (6/30). Hypodense areas (28/30) with cavitation (12/30) were found in the vertebral body and the SP could be identified by a sclerotic margin (22/30).

CONCLUSION

Treatment by this form of therapy was successful, reaction of the vertebral body against the spongiosaplasty could be identified.