الفهرس 
Title : Effect of one year immobilization by ligamentotaxis and posterior vertebral fixation on the spinal segment
ContantsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The thoracolumbar junction is the most common area of injury in the axial skeleton. Forces along the long stiff kyphotic thoracic spine switch abruptly into the mobile lordotic lumbar spine at the thoracolumbar junction. Posterior instrumentation and distraction with ligamentotaxis has been successfully used in the treatment of thoracolumbar wedge/burst fractures.
METHODS: Thirty patients with thoracolumbar wedge/burst fracture spine were treated by posterior instrumentation and distraction without fusion using pedicular screw system (ligamentotaxis), through a direct posterior approach to the thoracolumbar spine under general anaesthesia. Implant removal was scheduled 1 year after surgery using the same approach. Assessment of radiological findings regarding the restoration of (1) vertebral body height, (2) vertebral canal, (3) sagittal and coronal alignment were done, as well as assessment of the facet joints and signal changes of the intervertebral discs.
RESULTS: The local mean kyphotic angle improved from 17° preoperatively to 4° postoperatively on the lateral view radiograph. The preoperative mean coronal angle was estimated at 4°, and improved to a mean of 1.5° postoperative on the AP view radiograph. The mean aVHCR was corrected from a mean of 45% preoperatively to a postoperative mean of 9%. The mean pVHCR had a value of 5% preoperatively, and 0.9% postoperatively. Canal compression improved from a mean of 39% preoperatively to a postoperative mean of 9%.
CONCLUSIONS: Short-segment pedicle screw fixation and ligamentotaxis without fusion is a safe and effective method of treatment in the spectrum of treatment of wedge/burst fracture spine in the thoracolumbar region.