A Study on Short Segment Fixation for Thoracolumbar Fractures

Background: Spine injury is being one of the commonest injuries which pose challenges to the patients and treating clinicians as well. Despite so much research and recent advances, there has not been unanimous consensus regarding the management of spinal injuries. However, the treatment aim of every injury to the spine is to restore of max possible function in patients. This study was conducted to assess the outcome of short segment fixation in fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.

Methods and Materials: This is a prospective cohort study done at our Tertiary Center during the period from April 2018 To September 2020. Patients with thoracolumbar spine injuries were, included in the study. Study on short-segment pedicle screw fixation and inter- transverse fusion for single-level acute thoracolumbar fracture.

Results: Mean age of the sample size was 40.58 years with male preponderance. The FRANKEL SCALE was used to grade the pre-op neurology; 17.2% were graded as E, 24.1% as D, 31% as C, 13.8 % as B, and 13.8% A. ASIA motor and sensory score preoperative and postoperative at one year follow up was compared was found to be significant (p<0.05). Preoperative VAS and Functional independent measures also showed significant improvement.

Conclusion: Surgical stabilization and decompression are essential strategies for further neuroprotection and recovery after a spine injury. Short segment fixation can be an option for thoracolumbar fracture. However, an unstable fracture may require extended fixation.