Non neurologic burst thoracolumbar fractures fixation: Case-control study

Study designBurst fractures not associated with any neurological deficits are frequent but not therapeutic agreement on their management is available to date. This case-control study was conducted to try to help guide therapeutic decision in the treatment of such fractures.Materials and methodsThis case-control study includes consecutive retrospective evaluation of 25 case-patients treated by posterior short-segment fixation associated with kyphoplasty (SFK) in the treatment of A3 thoracolumbar unstable fractures, as compared to a control-group composed of 82 patients treated by long-segment (LF) pedicle screws.ResultsSFK patients bled significantly less than the LF patients (p = 0.04). Assessment of deformation progression, vertebral height restoration and reduction of the regional kyphotic angle in the SFK and LF groups revealed no statistically significant superiority of one approach on another. In contrast, the height of endplates was significantly increased in the SFK group (p = 0.006). The patients' pain levels were significantly improved in the SFK group (p = 0.002). However, patients from the SFK group stood earlier postoperatively (1.7 vs 3.7 days, p = 0.001).ConclusionWe believe that SFK in vertebral fractures is as efficient as LF for bone consolidation and spine stabilization. In addition, SFK patients may use fewer analgesics.