Short-Segment Schanz Pedicle Screw Oblique Downward Fixation for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: A New Method for the Reduction of Intraspinal Bone Fragments

Abstract

Short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation for thoracolumbar burst fracture has been widely used in clinic. When the fracture fragment enters the spinal canal seriously, it is often necessary to decompress. The authors pioneered the reduction of fracture fragments in the spinal canal by direct traction with pedicle screws implanted obliquely downward without lamina decompression. Compared with the previous pedicle screw parallel endplate fixation and lamina decompression, this new method has less trauma, better reduction and can remove the internal fixation after fracture healing. Compared with conventional pedicle screws, short-segment Schanz pedicle screws are more similar to normal posterior columns in structure and stress conduction and have better safety and stability, so the latter is more suitable for the treatment of severe burst fractures.