Minimally Invasive Dorsal Stabilization of Traumatic Thoracolumbar Instabilities

The internal dorsal fixator is used for primary stabilization of unstable thoracolumbar spine injuries. Segmental stabilization and fracture reduction with restoration of sagittal balance is considered the primary goal. With the improvement of reduction techniques of percutaneous systems, the invasive open approach is being increasingly replaced and is now mainly reserved for fractures that require intense reduction or spinal decompression. The major advantages of percutaneous systems include reduced operation time, blood loss, soft tissue trauma, and length of hospital stay. Nonetheless, these advantages should not seduce the surgeon to neglect an open approach for proper reduction, which is required in some comminuted fractures.