SHORT-SEGMENT FIXATION OF UNSTABLE THORACOLUMBAR JUNCTION (Th11–L2) FRACTURES
Keywords:
short-segment fixation, thoracolumbar fracture, transpedicular fixation, posterior spinal fixationAbstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of including the fractured vertebra in short-segment fixation constructs for unstable thoracolumbar spine fractures. Data were analyzed from 32 patients treated between 2023 and 2024 using short-segment fixation with pedicle screw placement into the fractured vertebra. Decompression was performed only in the presence of neurological deficits. Functional and radiological outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. Neurological improvement was observed in most patients with incomplete deficits. No significant loss of vertebral body height was recorded during follow-up. This technique provided reliable stabilization, correction of segmental kyphosis, and prevention of vertebral height loss.
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