[Repositioning options with percutaneous dorsal stabilization. For burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction]

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the options of percutaneous systems for reducing relevant posttraumatic kyphosis in spinal burst fractures. Clinical advantages of percutaneous techniques are evident from the literature and a disadvantage can be a lack of repositioning options in reducing the fracture kyphosis. Better results seem to be possible with new techniques and especially monoaxial percutaneous screws.

A total of 70 patients with burst fractures (AO type Magerl A3.1-A3.3) of the thoracolumbar spine were treated with a special percutaneous reduction technique in the Trauma Clinic in Murnau (BGU) Germany between July 2009 and March 2011. Posttraumatic, intraoperative and postoperative kyphosis was measured in computed tomography (CT) scans in monosegmental and bisegmental angles. Two different percutaneous fixation systems were compared for reduction. Statistical analyses were carried out with Student's t-test.

We found a highly significant difference between preoperative and postoperative kyphosis angles but no differences in reduction between the two percutaneous systems. In 39 cases additional reconstruction of the anterior column was necessary because of a ventral defect. In comparison to the MCS 2 study of the German Society of Trauma Surgery (DGU) we found no differences in postoperative kyphosis angles (3°).

A significant reduction of posttraumatic kyphosis of thoracolumbar burst fractures is possible with percutaneous techniques. Prerequisites are percutaneous monoaxial screws and tools and a special percutaneous technique as described.