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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
[Anterior decompression and reconstruction with internal fixation for severe thoracolumbar burst fracture]
Zhongming Ren1, Caiyi Jing, Fei Pei
1Department of Orthopaedics, Armed Police Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Jiacing Zhejiang, 314000, PR China. RenZM@medmail.com.cn
Objective:
To explore the injury mechanism of the severe thoracolumbar burst fracture and the necessity of anterior decompression and reconstruction with internal fixation.
Methods:
From January 1999 to January 2004, 21 patients were treated with anterior decompression and reconstruction. The fractures were located at T12 in 6 patients, L1 in 12, L2 in 4, L3 in 3,and L4 in 1. Four patients were treated with the "anterior approach" and "posterior approach" surgeries for severe column fractures.
Results:
All the patients were restored to the normal physiological radian, and the spinal canal was decompressed completely. They were followed up for 1-6 years, and the bony fusion was observed radiologically. The spinal cord function was improved to the 1-3 Frankel grade in all the patients except 2. There were no such complications as leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid, plate-screw loosening or breaking, or segment instability. The clinical effects were satisfactory.
Conclusion:
The operation of the anterior decompression and reconstruction with internal fixation for severe thoracolumbar burst fracture has advantages of complete decompression, full bone-grafting, and firm internal fixation. It can restore the spinal height and improve the spinal cord function.
