Clinical characteristics and treatment of fracture-dislocation of thoracic spine with or without minimal spinal cord injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

It is important to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of posterior internal fixation using pedicle screw system.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine with or without minimal spinal cord.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight patients with fracture-dislocation of thoracic spine with or without minimal spinal cord injury were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received posterior reduction and internal fixation using pedicle screw system.

RESULTS:

The mean follow-up duration was 11.4 months. Among 28 patients, 24 cases were complicated with bilateral pedicle or laminal fracture. Preoperatively, the percentage of vertebral displacement was (32.1 $\pm$ 20.6)%, significantly declined to (7.5 $\pm$ 6.0)% ( $t=$ 4.575, $P=$ 0.001) and maintained at (7.9 $\pm$ 6.3)% at the final follow-up. Preoperative local kyphosis angle was measured as (16.2 $\pm$ 11.3) ${}^{\circ }$ , restored to (15.4 $\pm$ 5.9) ${}^{\circ }$ postoperatively and (15.8 $\pm$ 5.4) ${}^{\circ }$ during the final follow-up. No statistical significance was observed at three time points (all $P>$ 0.05). The remaining 25 patients were evaluated with normal and complete neurological function. No severe complications were observed intra- and postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Posterior internal fixation using pedicle screw is an efficacious and safe therapy which achieves proper reduction and preserves spinal cord function.