Indirect reduction and fixation is not a new method in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures but the indications and efficacy are controversial. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of indirect reduction without fusion. Sixty-four patients with single-level thoracolumbar burst fractures were identified and treated by this method. The outcome was analyzed by the Frankel method, radiographic measurements, and at the latest follow-up the Denis Pain Scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess back pain and functional outcome. The average follow-up period was 40.1 months. The anterior vertebral height (AVH) was corrected from 55.2 to 97.2% post-operatively and decreased to 88.9% after hardware removal. The posterior vertebral height (PVH) increased from 88.9 to 99.1% post-operatively and decreased slightly after implant removal to 93.7%. The average pre-operative canal compromise was 41.4%, which decreased to 13.7% at last follow-up. Except for three paraplegic patients, neurological status significantly improved or stayed normal in the study's remaining 61 patients. Fifty-two of sixty-four patients had excellent or good function. At latest follow-up the average ODI score was 16.7 and the Denis pain score improved in all patients but one. Indirect reduction and fixation can not only restore vertebral column structure but also, more importantly, patients' functional outcome.

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BackgroundFasciotomy for compartment syndrome is an emergent procedure that is usually done in the operating theater under general anesthesia. Delay in performing the procedure can lead to worse outcome. Various reasons can cause delay in performing the surgery. Bedside fasciotomy under local anesthesia can be done in these cases to avoid delay in compartment release.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 34 cases of acute compartment syndrome for which fasciotomy was done at the bedside under local anesthesia. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months.ResultsAll patients had immediate and marked improvement in pain. Thirty-three patients regained their normal muscle strength. Thirty-two patients regained normal range of motion of adjacent joints. One patient developed flexion contracture of the great toe. There was no deep infection, chronic osteomyelitis, or amputation. Superficial wound infection was noted in three patients; one patient had persistent foot drop.ConclusionBedside fasciotomy under local anesthesia is a feasible, safe, and effective choice for treating compartment syndrome in patients with delayed presentation or those with anticipated delay to undergo surgery in the operating theater under general or regional anesthesia. The results of this study are encouraging, as all wounds healed satisfactory and there were no cases of deep infections. The formal release of compartments in the operating room under general anesthesia continues to be the standard of care. This is the first description in the literature for bedside fasciotomy under local anesthesia with a relatively large number of patients.

Fibular graft is feasible and apparently effective choice for SI joint fusion. This procedure avoids further metal work, which results in successful fusion and pain relief as well as stabilizing the SI joint.