Percutaneous and Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Management of Thoracolumbar Spine Injuries

Minimally invasive surgical techniques hold promise as a valuable tool for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar fractures. Percutaneous pedicle–based fixation provides secure fracture stabilization and theoretically may minimize associated morbidity while allowing for early mobilization. This holds particular benefit in the management of critically ill patients who may not tolerate conventional open procedures. Furthermore, in select cases the ability to stabilize spinal fractures without fusion may reduce the risk of fusion disease by allowing for late implant removal after fracture healing and subsequent motion preservation. Although early results are promising, prospective trials are necessary for understanding long-term results.