Evaluation of the results of posterior decompression, posterolateral fusion and stabilization by pedicle screw and rod in traumatic thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract

This study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological success of posterior decompression, posterolateral fusion and stabilization by pedicle screw and rod in the management of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. It is a prospective interventional study which is carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and different private hospitals in Dhaka city from January 2008 to December 2010. Total 16 patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 10 male patients and 06 female within a age range of 21-40 years. Mean age was 33.32 years. Total 08 cases involved L 1 , 03 cases involved at D 12 , 02 cases involved at D 11 and at L 2 each whereas 01 case at L 3 . Total 10 cases were of compression fracture and remainder 06 burst fractures. Ten (10) patients presented with paraparesis, 05 patients with incomplete paraplegia and 01 patient with complete paraplegia. All the patients were followed up for minimum 1 year. Patients with paraparesis fully recovered neurologically and could walk without support. All the 05 patients with incomplete paraplegia also recovered fully except 01 which gained partial improvement and walks with aids. One patient with complete paraplegia remained unchanged. Our results show that posterior decompression posterolateral fusion and stabilization by pedicle screw and rod provides a safe and effective surgical option for management of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures.

Outcome of Long Segment Posterior Spinal Stabilization Incorporating the Fractured Vertebra for Unstable Thoraco-Lumbar Junctional Brust Fracture

“…Actually, number of surgical approaches are available for the treatment of thoraco-lumbar fractures: posterior, anterior, open, minimally invasive, and combined posterior-anterior ones etc [24]. For the past three decades, tendency for posterior stabilization and instrumentation as the preferred treatment modality for thoracolumbar fractures has been popularized [25]. Chadha and Bahadur preferred patients to be treated after 03 weeks of injury with the posterior approach.…”