Clinicoradiological Outcome of Short Segment Fusion in Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures' - A Study of 20 Cases

Study design Prospective consecutive series. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of short segment instrumented fusion in thoracolumbar vertebral compression and burst fractures. Summary of Background Data Traumatic thoracic and lumbar spine fractures have been managed by various options already described in literature beginning from non-operative to various surgical options. Still insufficient evidence is there in the literature regarding choosing the treatment option which would provide good outcome. Even though literature suggests pedicle screw fixation comparatively better option but controversy still exists in decision making of the vertebral segments to be spanned i. e. long segment or short segment fusion. Methods A prospective clinicoradiological evaluation of 20 patients was done who had been diagnosed post traumatic vertebral fractures and were operated for the same with short segment posterior instrumented fusion. Fusion and stability was assessed clinically by subjective pain and neurological manifestation assessment using VAS, PROLOS SCALE and BEAUJON SCORE. Results We found in our study that short segment fusion had good efficacy for thoracolumbar fractures. It helps in correcting kyphosis (sagittal axis) and accomplishes fusion with minimal complications and post-operative morbidity. We successfully achieve solid fusion with good mechanical alignment in majority of the patients with very good functional status at a minimum of 1year follow-up.