[Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures using reduction and short-segment pedicle screw at the fracture level with the approach through para-vertebral muscles].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcome of reduction and pedicle screws fixation at the fracture level with the approach through para-vertebral muscles in treating thoraeolumbar fractures.

Methods: From January 2007 to March 2010,27 patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with posterior open reduction and internal fixation with the approach through para-vertebral muscles. There were 19 males and 8 females with the mean age of 36.3 years old (ranged,21 to 57). According to Magerl type, type A2 was in 5 cases, A3 in 14, B1 in 3, B2 in 5. According to Frankel classification of spinal cord injury: grade D was in 6 cases and grade E in 21 cases. X-rays and CT scans were performed after operation. Cobb angle of the injured vertebral segment,the percentage of vertebral compression,and sagittal diameter stenosis rate of the injured spinal canal were observed by radiographic data. Neurological function was evaluated by the Frankel grade.

Results: All patients were followed up from 12 to 28 months with an average of 19.6 months. The percentage of vertebral compression, Cobb angle of the injured vertebral segment, spinal canal sagittal diameter stenosis rate were respectively corrected from (46.6 +/- 10.5)%, (18.3 +/- 7.2) degrees, (30.2 +/- 7.2)% to postoperative (5.2 +/- 3.7)%, (5.3 +/- 5.1) degrees, (6.3 +/- 4.2)% and (6.7 +/- 4.6)%, (7.1 +/- 3.1), (7.2 +/- 4.5)% at last follow-up. There were significant difference in above items between preoperation and postoperation (P < 0.05); and there was no significant difference in above items between postoperation and last follow-up (P > 0.05). In aspect of nerve function, 3 cases with Frankel grade D recovered to grade E.

Conclusion: Using reduction and short-segment pedicle screws fixation at the fracture level through para-vertebral muscles approach is an effective method in treating thoracolumbar fractures. The method has advantages of simple operation,easy establishing screw, short operative time, less blood loss, which can obtain good reduction and stable, reliable fixation after operation.