200 A Retrospective Study of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Treated with Fixation and Non-fusion Surgery of Intra-vertebral Bone Graft Assisted with Balloon Kyphoplasty
Abstract INTRODUCTION horacolumbar fractures are common spinal injuries. Posterior fixation and fusion is the primary treatment, although this may sacrifice range of motion (ROM) to achieve stability, rather than treating the fracture itself. Two issues addressed when treating thoracolumbar fractures include: 1) replacing the fractured vertebrae, especially the upper endplate of the injured vertebrae, and 2) provide strong fixation with biomechanical stability and flexibility. METHODS This retrospective study included 75 consecutive patients with thoracic or lumbar fractures treated from October 2010 to May 2014. A total of 61 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into one of two groups: group A, intra-vertebral bone graft with balloon kyphoplasty (non-fusion surgery); and group B, traditional posterior fixation and fusion surgery. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was done preoperatively as well as at three months, one year, and two years. X-ray, CT, and MRI were done preoperatively. X-rays were done postoperatively at three months and two years. Postoperatively at 3 months, CT was used to confirm healing of the vertebral fracture. RESULTS >Patient demographics and baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. All fractures in both groups were reduced successfully, deformity was improved, and the anterior vertebral height restoration (AHR) was 98.76% ± 3.78% of PDS group and 95.38% ± 5.07% of Fusion group. After removal of hardware in group A, ROM at the injury level recovered (mean ROM 8.57°), and at 2 years, there was no loss of vertebral height or recurrence of deformity. There was no hardware failure in group A, but there was evidence of screw loosening three screws in group B. CONCLUSION Non-fusion treatment of intra-vertebral bone graft assisted with balloon kyphoplasty demonstrated good fracture reduction, deformity correction, fracture healing, and ROM maintenance. There were no complications associated with the implant. With the continued development of surgical techniques and materials, we believe that an increasing number of spinal fracture patients can avoid spinal fusion.