Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures by Closed Reduction via a Percutaneous Solid Pedicle Screw

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the effect of closed reduction and per- cutaneous pedicle screw fixation in treating thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 12 cases of single-segment thoracolumbar spine fractures without spinal cord and nerve injury at our department from March 2016 to September 2017. Patients were treated with closed reduction, percutaneous reduction, and internal fixation with solid pedicle screws. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVHR), Cobb angle (CA) of sagittal kyphosis, and VAS of back pain were determined and statistically compared. Results: The average operation time was 147.2 ± 45.6 min, and the average intraoperative bleeding was 67.8 ± 34.2 mL. All fractured vertebrae were completely reduced, their height was restored, and kyphosis was corrected. The average follow-up period was 10.6 ± 2.7 months, with significant improvements seen in the AVHR, CA of sagittal kyphosis, and VAS score (P < 0.01). One case had a broken rod after three months, and another had a postoperative infection. All the patients achieved bony healing. Conclusion: The treatment of thoracolumbar fractures by closed reduction and internal fixation with a percutaneous solid pedicle screw is simple, effective, and economical. Level of Evidence VI; Therapeutic Study, Case Series.