SURGICAL OUTCOME OF TRANSPEDICULAR FIXATION IN THORACOLUMBER FRACTURES
Abstract
Background: Development of transpedicular screw fixation techniques and instrumentation systemshas brought short-segment instrumentation (fixation of one normal vertebra above and below aninjured segment) into general clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to report the surgicaloutcome of thoracolumber fractures treated with short-segment pedicle instrumentation. Methods: Aretrospective review of all surgically managed thoracolumbar fractures during two years wasperformed. The 84 surgically managed patients were instrumented by the short-segment technique.Patients charts, operation notes, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, computed tomographicscans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done. Neurological findings (Frankel functionalclassification), and follow-up records up to 6 months were reviewed. Results: Transpedicularfixation was performed in 84 cases including 52 male and 32 female with male to female ratio 1.6:1.Mean±SD of age was 40±13.75 years (range15–60). The level of injuries was different in differentage groups. Outcome was assessed on Frankle grading. No patient showed an increase inneurological deficit. Most of the patients showed improvement to the next grade. Screw breakageoccurred in 8 cases, bed sores in 16 cases and deep vein thrombosis in 3 cases. Misplaced screw in5 cases. Eight cases got wound infection. Conclusion: Although long term follow-up evaluationneeds to verified, the short term follow-up results suggest a favourable outcome for short-segmentinstrumentation.Keywords: Pedicle screw instrumentation, Thoracolumbar fracture, Short-segment, Fixation.References
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