Home| Journals | Statistics Online Expert | About Us | Contact Us

    About this Journal  | Table of Contents

[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked References]

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2015 pp 318-321

Research Article

Inclusion of fracture vertebra pedicle in the short segment fixation of thoracolumbar burst fractures: A pilot study

S R Mitra1, S U Sah2

1Professor and HOD, 2Medical Officer, Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Medical Square, Nagpur -03, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Abstract
Background: The short segment fixation pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar burst fractures has advantage of fixing less number of motion segments but failure of short segment fixation and that it is not suitable for all types of burst fracture were reported. Concept of including the fracture vertebra into the short segment fixation to increase the construct stiffness has been proposed. Material and Methods: Prospectively 20 patients of thoracolumbar burst fracture were operated at Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur. Both or one pedicle of the fractured vertebra was included into the short segment fixation. Patients were followed up at 1 month interval till six months and then at six monthly intervals. Segmental kyphotic angle was evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively and at each follow up. Frenkel grading was also evaluated. Results: We report a mean follow up of six months. The average preoperative kyphotic angle was 18+/-5 deg and the average post operative angle was -4+/-6 deg. The average loss of correction was 2 deg till last follow up. No instance of failure of implant noted. Conclusion: We found that adding pedicle screw at the fracture level does help in achieving good correction of deformity intra operatively and that it does help in maintain that correction as indicated by our average 6 months follow up.