Turkish Neurosurgery 2013 , Vol 23 , Num 6
Implanting Pedicle Screw in Fractured Vertebra Results in No Adverse Effect on Bone Healing in Thoracic or Lumbar Burst Fracture
Ming YANG1, Xiao-bin WANG1, Jing LI1, Guang-zhong XIONG2, Chang LU1, Guo-hua LU1
1The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Department of Spine Surgery, Changsha, China
2The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Department of Emergency, Changsha, China
DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.7955-13.0 AIM: To confirm whether implanting pedicle-screw at the level of fractured vertebra increases adverse effects on fracture healing.

MATERIAL and METHODS: CT follow-up was conducted for 28 patients who sustained thoracic or lumbar burst fracture and underwent posterior pedicle-screw instrumentation and reduction including implanting screws into the fractured vertebra at the same time. The time for follow-up CT scan ranged from 1 to 3 years postoperatively.

RESULTS: 28 patients underwent final CT scan 1 to 3 years after surgery which revealed good bony fusion within each fractured vertebra and no screw or rod breakage; kyphosis was also not detected.

CONCLUSION: Implanting pedicle-screw at the level of fractured vertebra does not have a negative influence on bone healing. Keywords : Spine trauma, Thoracolumbar, Burst fracture, Short segment fixation, Bone healing

Corresponding author : Jing Lı, xyspine@sina.com